Platform Discussion: Energy Policy

- 89% of USA energy consumption is from non-renewable sources (DOE)

- 41% of consumption is by residential users, 30% industrial, 29% transportation (DOE)

- The USA is the number one energy consumer in the world using 21%, China is next at 16% then Russia at 6%

It is easy and trendy to talk about energy policy when gas is $4 a gallon and we are fighting a war with the an oil exporter.  It is less so when gas is $2 and CNN's lead story is Justin Bieber.  The reality is there is not a single quick solution to the issue.  Just like most major issues it is going to take decisive decision-making to free our self in the future. So a few planks to the platform.

1. Expand the use of nuclear power.  Nuclear power made up only 11% of production in 2010 behind Coal, Oil and Gas.  It is safe and unmatched with regard to output vs. impact vs. left overs.  Yes the waste will outlive our kid's, kid's, kids.  But this waste pales in comparison to the gains made by the zero carbon footprint.  

I do not believe in clean coal.  I believe domestic natural gas and oil discovery has reached its peak.  I know the mining industry supports an entire section of our grand union's economy; however, we must work to lesson our dependence not just on 'foreign oil' but on all forms of nonrenewable energy.  While nuclear is nonrenewable, it is long term sustainable.

2. Invest in renewable energies.  Wind, wave and solar technologies need substantial government based investments to refine and make plausible in the near term future.  We should redirect some of the governments research in the sexual habits of men in Russia and Appalachian fruits towards solving the issues on generation, storage and delivery of these renewable energies.  It is easy to say that the government should get out of the way and let the private industry take the lead; however, the major players in the private industry have invested trillions of dollars into oil and gas exploration, delivery and refinement systems.  There is no motivation to advance renewable energies at an accelerated pace. 

3. Increase the gas tax by 25¢.  This money should be directed to help offset the startup costs of new nuclear power plants and the investments in research.  Easy as that.  A new agency should NOT be created to manage this money.  Throw it in with the Department of Energy grants and the oversight already created therein. 

4. We should carefully exploit domestic energy reserves.  We should be prepared for the possibilities that a 'friend' in the middle east is no longer a friend.  While they need us to purchase their oil to fund their regimes, it can get into difficult politics should they decide to no longer sell us their oil.  During this interim period of building nuclear plants and increase in research, we should complete careful exploration of domestic off shore drilling, Alaskan drilling, gas reserve locating and drilling in addition to continue refinement of the coal burning processes.  Additional consideration should be taken to determine the stock piling of these precious limited resources for use or sale in the long-term future (100+ years) could provide our nation with a strategic advantage.  As the amount of available resources diminished, the one holding the most reserves will be the one holding the trump card.  We, as a nation, do not want to be on the wrong end of that equation.  

A well rounded energy policy with clear direction is lacking in the nation.  With each change of President and/or party holding the office a new set of thoughts comes into being.  The result has been a policy toss around like a dingy in the ocean.  A clear, defined and well funded energy policy is a must.