Energy
The importance of a strong energy policy in the United States cannot be emphasized enough. It is not only the cornerstone of this country's economic sustainability, but it is playing an ever increasing role in our national security. For the benefit of our economic and environmental future, this country deserves a responsible energy plan now.
Unfortunately, the Democratic Congress has been pushing for an energy bill that is quite the opposite of what this country needs, and it is everything but responsible. The bill is commonly referred to as "Cap and Trade". Under this plan, an unnecessary burden would be placed on domestic industry, and this burden will be passed on to American taxpayers in the form of cost increases. Just as important, such a bill would have an adverse effect on the coal industry. The "Cap and Trade" bill would discourage the use of coal in America and cost jobs in the 6th District and throughout the country.
Coal Power
Coal is vital to our country's energy needs--after all, it produces over half of our electricity. Ninety percent of Ohio's electricity is produced using coal. I believe coal technology has not yet reached its full potential, and if properly funded and developed could be beneficial to serving our energy needs in the future. With improvements in coal liquefaction and clean coal technology, the possibilities for coal are endless--but coal is only one pillar in a comprehensive energy policy.
Developing Alternative Energy
In order to avert another oil crisis, we need to begin developing alternative energy sources. Wind, solar, nuclear, and hydroelectric power all have been underfunded and underutilized. While the technology is available, we have failed as a country in making it work to our advantage. There is no better time than now to make the possibilities of these technologies a reality.
Nuclear energy has been unfairly criticized by this administration. A relatively clean technology, the expansion of a nuclear infrastructure would greatly increase energy production and create jobs. France has been ahead of the curve since the 1970s, and that country has been building nuclear plants for over thirty years. Nuclear power accounts for 87% of electricity consumed in France today. If the French are capable of constructing and safely maintaining over 50 nuclear power plants, why are we unable to do the same in the United States? Eighty of our Navy's ships are nuclear-powered, with 103 reactors.
Solar energy is another technology we have failed to use effectively. Great strides have been made in photovoltaic technology, making the use of solar power more practical and efficient than it ever has been. There is no reason why the implementation of this technology cannot be accomplished.
Reducing Foreign Dependency on Energy, Today
Oil will remain a staple of energy in America for many years. Until further advancements in hybrid and electric vehicles can be made, our reliance on oil is not going to disappear. This is the reality of our time, and thinking otherwise is foolish. Oil drilling techniques have improved greatly, and other avenues such as extracting oil from shale rock are becoming more possible as time goes on. We can reduce our dependency on foreign oil simply by utilizing the tools we have available to us. By drilling for oil ourselves, we can keep more dollars in America and employ a greater number of people. It is imperative we do so now.
American energy policy needs to be comprehensive, and each of these technologies should be used to their full potential. Our economic future is tied to energy policy, and we should do everything we can to ensure our future is bright. The long run benefits of a transition to this system will be enormous and there is no time like the present to begin moving towards this goal.
