Union Leader - A Real Energy Solution Requires More Than Drilling

Op-Ed

Union Leader - A Real Energy Solution Requires More Than Drilling

Over the past few weeks, three little words have come to represent our nation's energy debate. Overnight, a serious assessment of what we have done wrong over the past 30 years, and what must be done to remedy those mistakes, has been replaced by three simple words -- drill, baby, drill.

As with many slogans, it is appealing yet ultimately dishonest in its simplicity.

T. Boone Pickens -- the Republican oil baron --is right when he says our energy crisis is one that we cannot "drill our way out of." It can only be resolved through an approach that increases energy production and invests in long-term solutions that reduce our dependency on oil.

On Tuesday, I voted in favor of the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act. This legislation will increase domestic oil and gas production, expand the development of renewable energy and end subsidies to big oil companies. The bill will also create new "green" jobs and require oil companies to pay royalties owed to American taxpayers. The moratorium against offshore drilling is set to expire Sept. 30. This new bill will allow drilling but require it to be 100 miles offshore or 50 miles if states opt in. It's a good compromise.

During my time in Washington, I have repeatedly stood up for American consumers by voting yes to:

-- renewable energy.

-- the first new vehicle efficiency standards in 32 years -- saving $1,000 in fuel costs per car per year.

-- lowering gas prices immediately by releasing a small portion of the government oil stockpile.

-- cracking down on gas price gouging.

-- curbing excessive speculation in the energy futures markets.

-- reducing transit fares for commuter rail and buses.

Like most things in life, the solution to our nation's energy crisis is not black and white. The choice is not between drilling and inaction. The choice is between either continuing the Bush administration's policy of only drilling or drilling and investing in green technologies that put us on the path to energy independence.

Our country's dependence on oil is a threat to our national security, a hazard to our precious environment and a burden to millions of hardworking Americans who are struggling to fill the tank. The American people deserve more than empty promises and false outrage. They deserve a smart, aggressive, responsible plan that actively puts our country on the course to true energy independence.

Instead of shouting "drill, baby, drill," the American people should say "drill, baby, but while you're at it, make sure to invest in renewable energies so we're not in this same mess 50 years from now."

Politicians who tell you that drilling alone will immediately lower energy prices are not being straight with you. According to the Bush administration's own Department of Energy, domestic drilling will lower prices only 2 to 3 cents a gallon 10 to 15 years from now. A drill-only approach will leave us right where we started -- with no energy plan and no idea how to end our addiction to oil.

We have been down this road before. The American people deserve better. That is why the House of Representatives passed this historic legislation that represents a true compromise -- one that will not please everyone, but that does begin to develop a real energy policy with the future and the security of our country in mind.

Source