For too long this country has had a three-part energy plan: (1) buy more oil; (2) buy more oil; and (3) buy more oil.

During the run-up to record gas prices this summer, many conservatives and those close to the oil industry suggested that the best solution to our energy crisis was to drill even more. They claimed that moderate, suburban voters want to drill our way to lower gas prices. But at last, we know the truth.

According to a recent SurveyUSA poll conducted in a Minnesota district that has voted Republican for 50 years, 72 percent of self-described moderates support a candidate who believes America needs to identify and promote alternative sources of energy over a candidate who wants more offshore drilling. In addition, 62 percent of independents said the same thing. Among all voters, even including conservatives, 59 percent want a candidate who will work to develop alternatives to oil.

The people in my district understand that lower gas prices costs can best be achieved through promoting alternative sources of energy – not solely by drilling. If there truly are ways to expand domestic supply in an environmentally responsible manner, we should grant new offshore oil leases on a case-by-case basis.  But we should not simply give unfettered, unmitigated, and unregulated access to Big Oil to drill whenever and wherever they want.

Most important of all is the fact that we need Members of Congress who can be independent thinkers on this issue. During my campaign for Congress, I have refused to take campaign contributions from oil companies or the other corporate special interest PACs that have so much influence in Washington. That’s because I’ll vote to stop the $14 billion in tax giveaways to oil companies provided by President Bush and a Republican-controlled Congress, and work to achieve the promises of a green economy.

Expanding the use of homegrown energy offers incredible economic opportunity for states like Minnesota, and for our nation as a whole. In the 3rd Congressional District, there are several examples of green economy initiatives that are creating new jobs and helping wean our dependence on foreign oil—the Sustainable Home built by Live Green Live Smart in Minnetonka, green energy initiatives pursued by Great River Energy in Maple Grove, and LEED-certified business buildings such as the Quality Bicycle Design distribution center in Bloomington.

The moderates in my district recognize the growth potential of the green economy that already generates close to $500 billion a year and employs several million people nationwide.  Achieving a comprehensive energy solution is not only key to our nation’s economic recovery, it’s also important to voters. The voters already know it. Maybe it’s time for Washington to catch up.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 10:30 am and is filed under Politics, Energy/Environment, Campaign .