As a nation, we are faced with a dangerous dependence on foreign sources of oil to meet our increasing energy demand. According to the Department of Energy, we consume 18 million barrels of finished petroleum products a day. Two-thirds of the crude oil needed to make that petroleum is imported.  Our energy market continues to be held hostage to price spikes governed by a cartel of nations whose interests run in opposition to our own.  At the same time, our own domestic oil production and refining capacity remains hampered by overregulation and outdated laws that strangle our own domestic energy industry.  

Add to this equation the threat of political instability in oil producing nations, the threat of a nuclear armed Iran and competition in the race for resources by emerging economies like China and India, and America faces a stark choice.  Either we remain dependent on our enemies and competitors for energy, or we take control of our energy future.  The choice is clear and we must follow a diverse set of policies to reach energy security.

First, we must take advantage of our rich natural resources.  The U.S. Geologic Survey estimates that the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) could produce up to 16 billion barrels of recoverable oil. Allowing oil exploration in ANWR would surely reduce the total of imported oil from our enemies while boosting America’s economy. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, the ANWR oil reserves can be developed without significantly damaging the environment. Of the 19 million acres in ANWR, the total size of the production "footprint" allowed under law consists of approximately 2000 acres, or about one ten thousandth of one percent (.0001%).

Another resource we must invest in is coal.  The United States holds 27 percent of the world’s coal supply.  We produce 1.1 billion tons of coal each year.  If we use existing technology, we can use coal to reduce our dependence on imported oil.  One ton of coal can produce about 1.5 barrels of liquid fuel. The U.S. produces more than 1.1 billion tons of coal annually. If all of this were used to produce liquid fuels, the nation’s coal industry could produce 4.6 million barrels of liquid fuel per day and cut crude oil imports by 40 percent. 

Pennsylvania is the nation’s fourth largest coal producer and sits upon tremendous coal reserves that could be used to create a thriving coal-to-liquid-fuel (CTL) industry.  The technology isn’t decades away.  It’s here today, and companies are looking for ways to jump start this emerging industry.

Another alternative energy source that we must seriously consider expanding is our nuclear power capacity.  Nuclear energy emits zero harmful emissions into the atmosphere.  Nations across the world are investing in nuclear capacity.  Congress must take efforts to make sure we do not lag behind our energy competitors.

Second, America must conserve energy.  Conservation is something each and every one of us can do every day to make an impact on our energy demand.  For example, home owners can switch to energy efficient light bulbs and replace drafty window frames. On a larger scale, Congress should act to make energy conservation attractive for individuals as well as corporations through economic incentives.  This also includes the auto industry, who should continue to strive for better fuel efficiency standards and innovate to meet the growing demand for hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles.

Third, we must invest in renewable and alternative fuels like ethanol, biodiesel and hydrogen.  These new fuels have shown great promise in lowering our dependence on oil.  However, we must be mindful that a conversion to an alternative energy economy will take many years to accomplish.  In the meantime, we must utilize our abundant natural resources to provide the American public with affordable, clean energy.

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