The FREE Act:

Statement

The FREE Act addresses the issue of energy dependence in two ways.  First, it repeals tax breaks and other subsidies to the oil, gas and nuclear industries because these are wasted tax dollars.  Not only are these industries reaping record profits, but the energy they produce and the waste that results from it is harming the environment and exacerbating the problem of global warming.  Repealing giveaways to these industries will free up some of the finances needed to achieve energy independence.

The FREE Act’s second approach to securing independence is by changing what energy we use and how we use it.  The Free Act promotes the production and use of renewable energy, funds renewable energy research, and requires energy efficiency.

Using the funds previously wasted on energy sources that only further our dependence on foreign sources of energy, the FREE Act encourages investment in and production of alternative energy sources that are available here in the United States.  Making it easier for renewable industries to produce power through solar, wind, and geothermal facilities will help chip away at our dependencies.  Making it more affordable for businesses and residences to use these types of power will spur more alternative energy production and fuel the market for new technologies.

But making the market a friendlier place for alternative energy is only part of the solution.  The FREE Act also requires the government to set an example for the nation.  State governments have been setting standards for minimum renewable energy production for several years now, and so should the federal government.  Federal infrastructure requires massive amounts of power and a portion of that should come from renewables.  And the government should also stand by its commitments to fund research and development for renewable energy.

The FREE Act also calls for an increase in fuel economy standards, which haven’t been updated for decades.  Increasing gas mileage standards will force automakers to provide drivers more choices to save them money at the pump and safeguard the environment when it comes to global warming.

The federal fight for independence shouldn’t consist of extensions and modifications alone.  It should include innovation as well.  That is why the FREE Act creates a federal grant program to help local schools and school districts use renewable energy sources.  Programs like this will not only further our efforts to power ourselves, but will instill the values of energy independence in our nation’s youth at the same time.

This government action combined with market incentives will help create a healthy renewable energy industry and move us in the direction of energy independence.  Funded by repeals in unnecessary tax breaks, these efforts will make the country safer and healthier.  Becoming energy independent will take time, and that is why we need to begin now.  The FREE Act will point us in the right direction.