Democrats Are Fighting for Energy Independence

Over the last five years, at the behest of big oil and gas companies, the Bush Administration and the Rubberstamp Congress have pursued a 19th century energy policy – focusing on fossil fuels.  Furthermore, during this period, the reliance of the United States on imported oil has increased.  In 2000, the year before President Bush took office, we were importing 52.9 percent of our oil.  Now, we  are importing 60 percent.

Rather than enact policies that would provide safe, sustainable and affordable energy, Republicans have been pushing for drilling in the Alaska wilderness and rolling back environmental protections regulating oil and gas leases and refineries.  Drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge would provide only the equivalent of six months of American oil demand and would not provide any oil for a decade, lower gas prices, or reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

By sharp contrast, on March 29, Democrats unveiled our “Real Security” Agenda, which includes achieving energy independence by 2020 by making dramatic, new investments in sustainable, clean sources of energy.  The Democratic agenda calls for dramatically increasing production of alternate fuels from America’s heartland, including bio-fuels, geothermal, clean coal, fuel cells, solar and wind.  Democrats know that growth in the use of bio-fuels could save 3.9 million barrels of oil per day by 2025.  Specifically, Democrats have proposed to rapidly expand production and distribution of synthetic and bio-based fuels, such as ethanol derived from cellulosic sources, and deploy new engine technologies for fuel-flexible, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and bio-diesel vehicles – by doubling research and development funding for new fuels, innovative refining processes for these fuels, and new vehicle technologies.  The plan also calls for enhancing incentives for energy efficiency and conservation.  

Democrats will fight for sustainable, clean energy initiatives as the FY 2007 spending bills are written.   Unfortunately, the President’s budget does not match his rhetoric in the State of the Union to end “our addiction to oil.”  The President’s budget eliminates all funding for bio-energy incentives that help expand the production of ethanol and biodiesel.  The budget also cuts renewable energy loans and grants, as well as biomass research and development.  It also cuts energy efficiency programs by 13 percent, and cuts conservation programs by $113 million.  Throughout this year, Democrats will fight vigorously to reverse these proposed cuts and, instead, make important, new investments in clean, sustainable sources of energy and energy efficiency and conservation programs.

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi