A 21st Century Energy Plan
I recently publshed an OpEd in one of my hometown papers, The Northville Record, discussing the need for a 21st century energy plan which provides a responsible, and balanced approach incorporating a few key components, which are production, conservation, and free market innovation. The goal of which is to keep America's economic opportunities and energy security the world's greatest. I invite you read the article and let me know your thoughts.
A 21st Century Energy Plan
by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, (MI-11)
If you had the power to stabilize spiraling gas prices and implement a 21st Century American Energy Plan, would you?
You would.
But this Congress won't.
Daily, we see the disastrous consequences of a "lethargy" policy that is opposed to producing more American oil and energy and, instead, proffers taxation, regulation, litigation, and "government innovation" as an answer to rising gas prices shrinking our family budgets and increasing unemployment. In our Great Lakes State, for example, the cost of American energy is harming our struggling manufacturing sector and endangering jobs. In sum, manufacturers' fixed costs - especially energy - are soaring at the very time an anemic economy forces price reductions; consequently, we experience the nightmare of the manufacturing sector laying off or terminating our family members, friends, and neighbors.
True, some politicians and academics claim blue collar jobs will "one day" be replaced by "green collar" jobs. We've heard this promise before, haven't we? Now, due to a Congress that refuses to admit we need more American energy, such rhetoric provides cold comfort to us in Michigan, especially our fellow citizens in the manufacturing sector, who are being promised a green collar job someday to replace the real job they're losing today.
This must end!
What we need in the United States is a common sense, responsible, and balanced 21st Century American Energy Plan, the key components of which are production, conservation, and free market innovation; and the goal of which is to keep America's economic opportunities and energy security the world's greatest.
First, we must squarely confront the challenge. America's dangerous addiction to oil and its price is increasing daily: we consume nearly 21 million barrels of oil per day; and, while our demand amounts to over 25 f global oil production, our known oil reserves constitute but 3 f global supply. As the developing world's energy demands escalate, our nation's dependence upon this finite fuel - often obtained from unfriendly sources - poses grave concerns for our economy, environment, and national security. And, yes, we must admit that, as this challenge didn't happen overnight, neither will it be solved in a day.
Therefore, common sense provides a solution: The 21st Century American Energy Plan. The 21st Century Energy Plan is a free-market road map for free people that will enhance our prosperity, security, and environment by guiding us to energy independence. Trusting in Americans' ingenuity and industriousness, this energy independence policy contains three cardinal, integrated elements: production, conservation, and innovation.
To responsibly facilitate this transition from fossil fuels to alternative energies, we must produce more domestic American energy from existing sources - including oil, clean coal, solar, wind, water and nuclear power - and implement sound regulatory reform and broad tax incentives to encourage its "green" acquisition and utilization.
Then, we must simultaneously conserve our existing energy resources through free market reforms that reduce American's utilization of fossil fuels by encouraging the growing consumer demand for and manufacturers' production of alternative energies and flex-fuel vehicles; and fostering domestic conservation and environmental stewardship measures, including infrastructure improvements, traffic congestion mitigation measures, and voluntary, community based "green" initiatives to reduce energy consumption.
Finally, the production of existing energies speeds the innovation of alternative energies. Government revenues derived from increased energy exploration and production must be dedicated to tax credits for alternative energy innovations and implementations. For example, this entrepreneurial energy policy will nurture the growing consumer demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles; and spur the research, development, production and utilization of alternative fuels in the emergent areas of bio-mass, bio-diesel, ethanol, hydrogen, and clean coal. Further, government must encourage the new infrastructure required to make alternative energies readily available and commercially viable; establish competitive prizes for distinguished accomplishments in the private research and development of alternative energies; and, engage America's allies in a determined collaboration to develop alternative energies and enhance global environmental stewardship.
Yet such a common sense, responsible, and balanced approach seems lost upon Congress. Stubbornly resurrecting their failed 1970's approach, this Congress still claims Big Brother knows best, and argues for higher taxes, government dictates and boondoggle spending. In consequence, Americans will suffer energy insecurity due to energy price hikes and domestic energy shortages.
There is a better path. The 21st Century Energy Plan will constructively change America from fossil fuels to alternative energies; and allow us to achieve and declare energy independence. While it won't happen instantly, it will happen certainly - because America's greatest resource remains the virtuous genius of her free people.
Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-Livonia) represents Michigan's 11th District and is chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.
Find this article online: http://hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/OPINION01/806120666/1202/NEWS12
| Posted by Chairman Thaddeus McCotter (MI - 11) (07-10-2008, 03:09 PM) filed under Chairman McCotter |
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