Raydiate
06-17-2010, 07:43 PM
Write your local congressmen/women to fight the oil moratorium. This is going to raise fuel prices by decreasing production. Here is the response that I got from Ander Crenshaw:
Thank you for contacting me about our national energy policy. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me on this matter.
From the 1973 oil embargo to the 2008 gas price hike, American families and small businesses have for too long been subject to the manipulations of oil dictators. Over 60% of the oil that gets consumed in this country comes from unstable foreign governments like Venezuela. The result--America finds herself in the very dangerous position of being overly dependent on foreign oil and families and small businesses have to struggle to make ends meet every time gas prices spike. We must do something now.
In order for the United States to truly become energy independent, we must adopt a comprehensive energy strategy that focuses on increasing exploration and production as well as investing in new reliable and clean forms of energy for the future.
First, we must increase production and exploration of American made energy. Unlocking our resources with environmentally safe methods will help make America energy independent for generations to come and it will begin the process of reducing our reliance on energy from unstable foreign governments. The first place to start is in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Drilling in ANWR would dramatically impact our energy supply. Today, advanced technology exists to explore in an environmentally sensitive manner. ANWR is a 19 million acre frozen tundra - roughly the size of the state of South Carolina. In comparison, the proposed potential drilling area has a footprint of only 1,800 acres - about the size of the Jacksonville Airport. ANWR contains a vast reserve of oil - nearly 10.4 billion barrels, or more than twice the proven oil reserves in all of Texas. Projected peak production in the region would reach or exceed 1 million barrels daily for 30 years, a 20% increase in domestic production. More importantly, that level of production is equivalent to 30 years worth of imports from Hugo Chavez.
But exploration is not limited just to ANWR. With new technology, we now have the ability to drill offshore in an environmentally sensitive fashion, and we should do so. I support such drilling as long as it is a reasonable distance from the coast and as long as the drilling does not hinder military missions and exercises offshore.
Secondly, we must increase the supply of American made fuel. We can do so by cutting red-tape and restrictions that have kept even a single new oil refinery from being built in this country since 1976. Limiting the construction of new oil refineries and bureaucratic regulations mandating the use of exotic fuels have decreased supply and increased the pain at the pump for all Americans. In 1981, there were 324 refineries, but by 2005 that number dropped to 148. By giving business incentives and making the system simpler and more financially feasible, we will once again attract businesses to invest in new refineries, thus increasing production.
Third, the United States must promote new clean and reliable sources of energy like clean coal and nuclear power. Today, France relies on nuclear power for 80% of its electricity compared to only 19% in this country. In addition to clean coal and nuclear power sources, America must continue to invest in and encourage the production and use of alternative fuels. Environmentally safe and renewable energy sources like bio-fuels, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are our future and must be fully explored.
Finally, I support enacting legislation that will encourage conservation and greater energy efficiency. By offering tax incentives to Americans who make their home, car, and business more energy efficient, we will increase conservation. Supporting technologies that increase energy efficiency in all sectors of our economy today will pay untold dividends in the future. Additionally, enacting simple, proven strategies like making home energy efficiency upgrades tax deductible and providing tax credits for hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, and fuel cell vehicles, will encourage conservation.
With global demand for energy skyrocketing and no plateau in sight, Americans face a daunting financial situation both now and for years to come. It is unconscionable that the current Democratic Leadership in Congress has thwarted all efforts to consider a comprehensive energy plan. America's families and small businesses are struggling and I will continue to urge the majority party to take decisive action immediately.
Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding energy policy. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance on this matter or if you would like additional information on this topic or other issues facing Congress, please visit my website at www.crenshaw.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Ander Crenshaw
Member of Congress
Thank you for contacting me about our national energy policy. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me on this matter.
From the 1973 oil embargo to the 2008 gas price hike, American families and small businesses have for too long been subject to the manipulations of oil dictators. Over 60% of the oil that gets consumed in this country comes from unstable foreign governments like Venezuela. The result--America finds herself in the very dangerous position of being overly dependent on foreign oil and families and small businesses have to struggle to make ends meet every time gas prices spike. We must do something now.
In order for the United States to truly become energy independent, we must adopt a comprehensive energy strategy that focuses on increasing exploration and production as well as investing in new reliable and clean forms of energy for the future.
First, we must increase production and exploration of American made energy. Unlocking our resources with environmentally safe methods will help make America energy independent for generations to come and it will begin the process of reducing our reliance on energy from unstable foreign governments. The first place to start is in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Drilling in ANWR would dramatically impact our energy supply. Today, advanced technology exists to explore in an environmentally sensitive manner. ANWR is a 19 million acre frozen tundra - roughly the size of the state of South Carolina. In comparison, the proposed potential drilling area has a footprint of only 1,800 acres - about the size of the Jacksonville Airport. ANWR contains a vast reserve of oil - nearly 10.4 billion barrels, or more than twice the proven oil reserves in all of Texas. Projected peak production in the region would reach or exceed 1 million barrels daily for 30 years, a 20% increase in domestic production. More importantly, that level of production is equivalent to 30 years worth of imports from Hugo Chavez.
But exploration is not limited just to ANWR. With new technology, we now have the ability to drill offshore in an environmentally sensitive fashion, and we should do so. I support such drilling as long as it is a reasonable distance from the coast and as long as the drilling does not hinder military missions and exercises offshore.
Secondly, we must increase the supply of American made fuel. We can do so by cutting red-tape and restrictions that have kept even a single new oil refinery from being built in this country since 1976. Limiting the construction of new oil refineries and bureaucratic regulations mandating the use of exotic fuels have decreased supply and increased the pain at the pump for all Americans. In 1981, there were 324 refineries, but by 2005 that number dropped to 148. By giving business incentives and making the system simpler and more financially feasible, we will once again attract businesses to invest in new refineries, thus increasing production.
Third, the United States must promote new clean and reliable sources of energy like clean coal and nuclear power. Today, France relies on nuclear power for 80% of its electricity compared to only 19% in this country. In addition to clean coal and nuclear power sources, America must continue to invest in and encourage the production and use of alternative fuels. Environmentally safe and renewable energy sources like bio-fuels, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are our future and must be fully explored.
Finally, I support enacting legislation that will encourage conservation and greater energy efficiency. By offering tax incentives to Americans who make their home, car, and business more energy efficient, we will increase conservation. Supporting technologies that increase energy efficiency in all sectors of our economy today will pay untold dividends in the future. Additionally, enacting simple, proven strategies like making home energy efficiency upgrades tax deductible and providing tax credits for hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, and fuel cell vehicles, will encourage conservation.
With global demand for energy skyrocketing and no plateau in sight, Americans face a daunting financial situation both now and for years to come. It is unconscionable that the current Democratic Leadership in Congress has thwarted all efforts to consider a comprehensive energy plan. America's families and small businesses are struggling and I will continue to urge the majority party to take decisive action immediately.
Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding energy policy. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance on this matter or if you would like additional information on this topic or other issues facing Congress, please visit my website at www.crenshaw.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Ander Crenshaw
Member of Congress