Energy

“An affirmative policy to expand extraction and export capabilities for all hydrocarbons over the next two decades could yield as much as $7 trillion of value to the North American economy, with $5 trillion of that accruing to the United States, including generating $1–$2 trillion in tax receipts to federal and local governments. Such a policy would also create millions of jobs rippling throughout the economy. While it would require substantial capital investment, essentially all of that would come from the private sector.”  Mark P. Mills- Manhattan Institute

“We need an all of the above energy strategy…” – President Obama

When President Obama says he “we need an all of the above energy strategy” many believed that he would pursue it. He has not. In fact nearly all Americans can agree that this administration’s energy policy has been anything but all of the above. It has been all green but no gain.

What’s Broke: 

Dependence on Foreign Oil:  Our dependence on foreign sources of energy particularly oil has proven to be troublesome.  As long as America is dependent on oil from the Middle East our foreign policy, safety, and our American values will be compromised.

Conservation: Efforts to conserve energy have become simply slogans intended to raise awareness.  Conservation efforts must have strategic and measurable goals.

Government Interference:  Federal funding of light rail and high-speed rail projects along with a number of other subsidized programs have been too costly.  It’s been estimated that our light rail in Minneapolis subsidizes riders to the tune of $18 per passenger.   This is not sustainable.

Solutions must include:

Energy independence:  Energy sector jobs are good paying jobs! We must truly adopt an all of the above strategy.  The next Congress must move to ensure we are developing our own North American energy resources in a manner that is safe for our environment and our children.  North America has an estimated 150 to 200 years of energy reserves.  Among the initiatives that should be supported are.

• Fracking

• Keystone Pipeline

• Increased Utilization of Natural Gas

Monetize Conservation: Modernizing older building can generate energy savings.  Markets should be developed that monetize those savings.

Alternative Energy:  Making maximum safe usage of our own energy resources will give us the time required to develop wind, solar and other alternative forms of renewable energy to a more cost-effective, viable, and sustainable state.