Issue Position: Energy Independence

Issue Position

The recent Deepwater Horizon incident and the discharge an estimated 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day into the Gulf of Mexico is example of the terrible disasters, environmental and manmade, that could happen as a result of more than three decades of failed energy policy.

Those of us who are old enough remember the gas lines of the "70's know that little has been done at the national level to establish a comprehensive energy policy that will keep American energy independent and safe. Indeed, the lack of a comprehensive energy policy is more than an economic issue or an environmental disaster. Energy is a security issue as well. We must become independent from foreign dictators and hostile governments for our energy needs.

A national comprehensive energy policy should:

Increase Oil and Natural Gas Production: In order to become energy independent, we must increase oil production through increased exploration and investment in finding new oil fields. We can also open new oil fields in areas where resources have already been identified; as Anwar, western North and South Dakota, the Gulf of Mexico and eastern Montana.

Increase Incentives for Research, Alternative Energy and Conservation: Use national tax policy and incentives to unleash the creative genius of America to find new solutions to the energy problem. Promote innovation in developing new technologies to promote conservation, the use of clean coal, (our most abundant energy source), and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and bio-fuel and environmentally safe method of drilling. Make the solar power and wind power tax credits permanent to create a large scale industry dedicated to domestically produced renewable fuel. Use technology and innovation to develop new methods of energy conservation. Develop a tax credit for refitting existing coal plants. Use tax policy to promote the development of cars and trucks that get over 100 miles to the gallon.

Florida is in a unique position to benefit from such a policy. We have an outstanding research tool in the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) as well as the ability to produce significant quantities of cellulosic bio- fuels. We also have a great deal of sun, wind and the Gulf Stream right off our coast. Not only should the federal government invest in this research, but this is an area where state policy can make a significant difference through research funding and tax incentives.

Increase Nuclear Power: We have lived less than 10 miles from the St. Lucie Nuclear power plant for almost 30 years. We must invest in 21st century nuclear technology, just as France has done. Since 48 % of our national energy being consumed is used in homes and other buildings, we can reduce our need for foreign fuel significantly through the use of nuclear power. We must learn from the experience in Japan to construct safe nuclear power plants.

Stop the Leak!! BP and the federal government must do all in their power to clean up this environmental disaster. Now that the situation is under control, we must find out exactly what happened and what systems failed. It is very disappointing to see the level of federal response to such an environmental disaster. Where was the federal government in preventing this situation from occurring? We must continue to use the huge oil reserves we have in the United States including Alaska and working with the Canadians to provide for our total energy needs.

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