A 7 Point Plan for Energy Independence (N.M. GOP Candidate Darren White)
August 6th, 2008
I’m Darren White, and I’m running for Congress in the First Congressional District of New Mexico. My 7-point energy policy is based on doing what’s right for America’s national and economic security.
Only by tackling our energy problems on all fronts can we fix a broken situation that is making New Mexico families suffer.
Here are the key provisions:
Innovate to find the next generation of energy sources
We must continue research and development into promising new, clean, and reliable energy sources, including solar power, hydroelectric power, wind power, and biofuels.
Expand the use of clean energy sources now
We need to expand the use of proven alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, natural gas, and clean coal technology.
Increase the production of American-made energy in an environmentally-safe way
Today, about 70% of the oil consumed in the United States is imported, a significant amount from countries that are not friendly to the U.S. That is unacceptable when America has a vast reservoir of untapped resources. We must increase domestic production to increase supply, and lower the price of gas.
End bureaucratic red tape
We have to bring new, modern oil refineries on-line to increase supply. Bureaucracy and regulations have held up the construction process long enough.
Encourage conservation
Americans want to be active partners. We need to reward Americans who make their home, car, or business more energy-efficient through conservation tax incentives. We should help more businesses allow their employees to telecommute by providing incentives.
Corporate responsibility
American corporations need to be partners in this process as well. I support increased fuel efficiency standards for automobiles. And there must be serious accountability tied to any tax credits for energy companies.
More oversight on speculators
Some estimate 25% of the cost of a barrel of oil is due to speculation. The trading of oil futures should be transparent and subject to strict oversight. We must close loopholes, reform the system, and aggressively investigate cases of potential abuse and price manipulation.
Playing partisan games and taking extreme positions (on the right and the left) will lead us nowhere.
My plan brings everyone together in an economically-sound and environmentally-sensitive manner, and moves us toward more affordable energy, and independence from foreign oil. Let’s declare our energy independence today!
Permalink | Comment on this post (0)
By
