Last summer’s $4 per gallon gas prices should be a wakeup call that we cannot rely upon foreign sources of energy. Unfortunately, that lesson appears to have been lost upon many of our leaders. It is no surprise that prices again are on the rise.
Michigan and the nation need an "all of the above" balanced energy policy that is based upon common sense.
First, we need an energy policy that encourages energy efficiency. Reducing the demand for gasoline, electricity, natural gas and other energy will help hold down prices. In the long run, families and businesses could use the money saved through energy efficiency for other goods and services, helping to strengthen our economy.
Second, we need an energy policy that enables us to fully develop American sources of oil and natural gas. Unfortunately, the recent federal stimulus package did nothing to encourage the expansion of American oil and natural gas supplies through offshore energy exploration, development of shale oil deposits or drilling in ANWR.
Third, we need an energy policy that recognizes that an adequate and reliable supply of affordable electricity is a necessity and a key factor for the nation's long-term economic health. Families and businesses are increasing their demand for electricity every year. Our nation needs new generating plants, but these workhorses of the electric system are not being built.
Fourth, we need to explore opportunities for renewable and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen for the future. Renewable energy will play a larger role in our national energy mix in coming years.
America’s energy dependency did not develop overnight and it cannot be fixed with a single silver bullet. We can, however, address the issue by finally using every tool available to us by unleashing a diverse cross-section of American ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
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