Energy Policy
- You say the energy policy is failing. How are you going to fix it?
We need a comprehensive energy policy that addresses two matters: energy use and energy generation. First, let's go after the low hanging fruit by improving our generating efficiencies and conservation. I suggest offering special tax reduction incentives for those individuals and corporations that undertake such efforts. Second, we have an opportunity to make our economy more competitive on a world wide basis. As an example, think about what Japan did first with steel in the 1960's and then with automobiles beginning in the 1970's and 80's. They were able to make and ship product into the U.S. while incurring huge cost disadvantages and still make money. It was because they had a comprehensive plan with government support. We now have the opportunity to do the same sort of thing in the alternative energy arena. Why can't we be the nation that is making the lowest cost and most efficient alternative energy generating equipment in the world? Why can't we be the one who is shipping this product overseas and revitalizing our economy? The opportunity is at our door step now if we choose to act.
- When you speak about alternative energy, what do you mean?
Solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cell, biomass, ocean wave, tidal, and longer term, laser or magnetic confinement fusion. During my career, I have been fortunate enough to have actually worked in three of these areas and have studied the others. I bring knowledge to Washington that can help formulate policy.
- Why are oil prices rising so rapidly and what can we do about it?
First off, roughly half of the increase we have seen in the price of oil is do to the devaluation of the dollar. And, this will only get worse if we do not fix our economy. The remainder of the increase has to do with other countries' economies that are growing rapidly and their citizens want to be "more like us." The use of and demand for oil in places like Russia, China and India are growing rapidly. In fact, India has just come out with a car that sells for $2500! All of these countries are behaving in ways that will increase consumption. This means there is less oil for the rest of us which in turn drives up prices. This is a phenomenon that is not going to reverse itself. But what we can do is offset the rate of these rising prices by implementing a comprehensive energy policy.
- The price of gasoline and home heating oil is going through the roof, what are you going to do about it?
Because countries like Russia, India and China are increasing the demand for oil so rapidly, there is no short term fix to the problem of rising prices. In fact we are likely to see even higher prices. I will, however, support efforts that make it easier for you to pay these higher prices. This can be accomplished through lower government spending and reduced taxes which will put more money in your pocket.
Sign Up for Email Updates:
