Energy Independence
This has become the most
important issue of our generation. With the price of gas
souring, many Americans and politicians are finally paying
attention to this issue, but it goes much deeper than that. The Obama administration made significant progress with the stimulus program, but now Republicans are blocking most efforts to invest in alternative fuels. The battle over drilling still dominates our politics, and the BP disaster destroyed chances of a bi-partisan deal.
Opportunity Grows - Energy Independence
This green blog covers developments in this area.
Funding Terrorists - America's need for oil is funding
some of the most dangerous parts of the world. Every gallon of
gas consumed in our country helps to fund Islamo-Fascists who
want to destroy us.
Global Warming - Most scientists agree that the Earth
is getting warmer, and there is plenty of credible evidence to
suggest that humans are contributing to this trend. With the
emergence of China and India, things will only get worse if we
don't transition away from fossil fuels.
Economic Health - Our economy would be much healthier
and stable for the long term if we could rely upon renewable
sources of energy produced in the United States as opposed to
sending billion of dollars overseas for oil.
Innovation - This is the engine of economic growth and
prosperity. Spending money in the US for energy is important,
but becoming a leader in the technologies that will drive the
use of alternative fuels is equally important. Alternative
fuels will be one of the engines driving economic growth over
the next 20 years.
For many Americans, the pain of higher gas prices is real, but
the issues listed above are much more important.
Web Sites
Set
America Free
Organization devoted to eliminating America's dependence on
foreign oil, calling it a national security issue. The
organization has attracted the support of conservatives and
liberals alike. The organization has published A
Blueprint for U.S. Energy Security.
Opinion
Tom
Friedman - Gas Pump Geopolitics
Friedman argues that it's time to get serious about energy
independence. He favors higher taxes on gas or tax credits for
energy efficient cars.
Proposals
Vehicle
and Fuel Choices for American Security Act
Legislation proposed by a bi-partisan group of Senators,
including Republicans Sam Brownback, Norm Coleman, Lindsey Graham, Jeff Sessions and Richard Lugar
and Democrats Evan Bayh, Joe Lieberman, Ken Salazar, Bill Nelson and Barack Obama.
It's a diverse group, which demonstrates how this issue cuts
across partisan and ideological lines.
The legislation aims to reduce US oil dependence by 10 million barrels a day
within the next 20 years by promoting the use of flex-fuel
vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Kerry
touts $20 billion clean-energy plan (MSNBC)
Comments, questions and suggestions can be sent to Gerardo
Orlando at editor@orlandoreport.com.
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