Issue Position: Energy Independence

Issue Position

Issue Position: Energy Independence

A Vision and a Plan for Energy Independence

A primary goal for an effective and sensible energy policy is keeping the United States from having to exert military force to protect our strategic energy needs. For too long, American military men and women have died on Middle East battlefields at the hands of enemies who are essentially funded by American dollars. I know this all too well. We cannot permit it to continue. And we cannot allow tyrants and dictators to use their oil reserves to strong-arm and bully our friends and allies.

Gas Prices

American families are being crushed by ever increasing gas prices. Consumers are struggling to balance their day-to-day living expenses in the face of these increases. While American families stretch their budgets to afford gas and other necessities, Congress is idle. Where are our leaders in Washington?

As a nation, we had a unique opportunity in September 2001 to declare our goal of achieving energy independence. But the opportunity was squandered. Now, I believe voters must demand that Washington join in a national commitment to achieving energy independence as a critical element of national security and economic policy.

As gas prices in the Hudson Valley reach $4 per gallon, it is clear that something has to change. My campaign has developed a bold and comprehensive 5 point plan to deal with escalating fuel prices in both the near-term and the long-term.

Lalor's Bold and Comprehensive 5 Point Plan To Lower Gas Prices
1. Drill More
2. Refine More
3. Abolish All Gas Taxes
4. Regulate Less
5. Encourage innovation in the private sector

As Senator John McCain has said, energy independence must be our generation's "Manhattan Project." I believe that with the right combination of technology, innovation, and government incentives, we do not need to raise taxes on hardworking Americans. I also believe that entrepreneurs are more likely to solve America's energy and environmental problems than bureaucrats in Washington.

Nuclear Power

America's working families need clean, affordable energy. Nuclear power offers an environmentally friendly energy source that can pace with the demands of America's dynamic economy.

License renewal for Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, NY is essential to the economy and prosperity of the New York metropolitan area. Without Indian Point, electric bills for households, businesses and local municipalities would jump dramatically causing blackouts, squeezing employers and increasing taxes.

Scientist Patrick Moore, who co-founded the environmental organization Greenpeace, said, "Nuclear energy is the only non- greenhouse-gas-emitting power source capable of effectively replacing fossil fuels and satisfying growing demand."

"Hydroelectric is largely built to capacity. Other key renewables, such as wind and solar will play a growing role. But renewables are unreliable and intermittent, and simply can't provide base-load electricity."

Leading environmentalists like Patrick Moore support Indian Point license renewal and the expanded use of nuclear power to meet our growing energy needs and so do I.

Encourage Private Sector Innovation in Alternatives and Renewables

I support the creation of large financial prizes to be awarded by the federal government to companies and individuals who achieve important milestones in achieving America's energy goals, such as inventing an affordable, practical car that meets or exceeds a 100 mpg goal, or a new and safer way to dispose of nuclear waste products, or new ways to cut pollution, or new, clean energy sources.

I also support tax incentives for the creation and use of alternatives fuels for vehicle use. I believe that the federal government must encourage local governments and municipalities to make smart use of LEDs, which can dramatically reduce power when used in traffic signals and other municipal applications. I support incentives for development of other uses as well and support federal programs that would defray the cost of installation using grants or low interest loans, which can be re-paid from energy savings.

We must continually look for sensible investments in wind, solar, and other alternatives to foreign oil, in part by encouraging America's competitive spirit and innovation in the private sector.

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