Energy Independence Has to Be Goal
Here we go again. Gas prices have risen for the last 20 straight days and we are now closing in on $4 gas. It's time for this energy-rich nation to stop acting like an energy-poor nation.
We cannot solve the problem overnight, but we can take action now that will help reduce the price at the pump in the medium and long-term. We need to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, we need to increase the number of refineries, we need a smart energy conservation plan and we need to keep exploring for energy in America.
Congress should act quickly to pass legislation to allow energy exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). I have supported this legislation every time it has been brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives.
ANWR is an area the size of South Carolina with billions of barrels of recoverable oil. New technology means that we could explore the entire region while leaving a footprint the size of Kansas City International Airport.
One editorial I read claimed that it would take years to explore for and drill for more crude oil. Ironically, that's what opponents of energy exploration have been saying for the past 12 years. The delay and denial in Washington have only made this problem worse.
We have made strides in lessening our dependence on foreign sources of oil. However, we need to start planning for the future now and energy independence should still be our goal.
Sincerely,
