Our energy policy is a disgrace to a society such as ours. We should begin today on a path toward gaining complete energy self-reliance within the next ten years. There is no reason this country should be in a position where it can be held hostage by our need for foreign energy sources.
We need to realize that we need oil. Even if we converted completely to other forms of energy, we still use oil-based products in many other areas. Currently, we need the oil for our main source of energy and we should begin drilling for it in Anwar and in fields that have been discovered in other areas of the continental United States. I would simply state to those who oppose the drilling that it is a matter of national security and we are going to do it. I would invite them to work with the oil companies to devise the best possible method of getting the oil while keeping it as environmentally friendly as possible.
We need to use the natural gas and coal resources that are available in this country as well. Again, I would challenge environmentalists to work with companies to find the best method for the environment to make it happen.
At the same time, we need to get research going on alternatives to these sources. Biofuels, solar and wind sources are not yet ready to be economically feasible as the major sources of our nations energy. Perhaps, one day they could be if the companies working in this area are given the incentive to continue the research. Perhaps another source may be discovered, but again that involves research. In areas where the alternative sources can work today, we should be using them. For example, why are there not solar panels on every government building? On every school, library and airport? It just makes me wonder, when I hear the folks in Washington talking about our need to get free of foreign oil and/or to make use of alternative sources.
What is the problem with using nuclear energy? We should be using it! We should begin a using nuclear energy anywhere we can and we should start the process of building the facilities today!
Another added benefit of a national program of energy self sufficiency is that they all create more jobs!
