Congress Must Take Action on Energy

Op-Ed

Congress Must Take Action on Energy

Fresh from their five week vacation, Congress is set to finally continue the Energy debate and hopefully take action. Their stalling on this critical issue shows a complete disregard for the needs of the American people. With exorbitant gas prices and a sluggish economy, Congress can ill afford to sit back and do nothing. Times like these demand action and it is high time for Congress to wake up, step up, and lead on this critical issue.

Americans want a comprehensive energy plan that lowers gas prices now and creates a sustainable future to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. The American Energy Act (H.R. 6566) is an "all of the above" plan to lower gas prices by increasing production of American energy; using new drilling revenues to fund an innovative renewable energy trust fund; encouraging more efficiency and conservation through incentives and tax breaks; and promoting the use of more alternative fuels such as solar, wind, and hydrogen.

So what are they actually planning to do? Speaker Pelosi has stated that the bill they are proposing will: PERMANENTLY ban 78% of our offshore areas from drilling (hidden behind allowing limited drilling in the Southeast, but even then only with State approval); RAISE taxes on domestic production of gasoline, heating oil, and natural gas; BLOCK more nuclear power production; PERMANENTLY prevent federal agencies from using unconventional and alternative sources of fuel; create a new, heavy handed electricity mandate that will RAISE electricity costs; and PERMANENTLY lock up 1 trillion barrels of oil from oil shale. Does that sound like the sensible, comprehensive energy plan that Americans are clamoring for?

Right here in our own Congressional District, there are alternative energy companies pursuing exciting technology - growing algae to be used as bio-diesel, pursuing more energy efficient light bulbs, and developing eco-sustainable housing to name a few - that would all benefit under the American Energy Act. It would make it easier and more profitable for them to do business and would provide an additional boost to the local economy. Not to mention the environmental benefits of these technologies.

We must let Congress know that we are watching and that we are angered by their inaction. I urge you to let the leadership in Washington know where you stand on energy by writing letters to the editor or to them directly to voice your positions on energy and your displeasure with Congress' do nothing attitude. The approval ratings of Congress are at all-time lows right now and the Majority's stance on energy is a big reason for that. Let them know you support a comprehensive, "all of the above" energy plan that provides a sustainable future and eliminates our dependency on foreign oil.

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