An Energy Consensus

by General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.)

As our energy principles underscore, a consensus policy would do the following: increase all kinds of domestic energy—coal, gas, oil, nuclear, and the entire range of alternative and renewable fuels; upgrade and expand our energy infrastructure so that our power companies and other energy providers can bring new, modern, and cleaner facilities on line without undue delays and overly burdensome regulations; leverage technology to increase efficiency, help us use traditional sources more cleanly, and develop new energy alternatives; and develop a climate change policy that is global in its approach, technology-based, and does not harm the economy or destroy jobs.

Any effort to enhance our energy security while improving the environment must begin with determined leadership by the White House and the Congress—but it cannot end there. Government can do its part by lifting restrictions on domestic energy production while preserving the environment, making smart capital investments in energy infrastructure and new technologies, and sweeping away impediments that deter the creation of new energy facilities or unnecessarily delay the expansion of exiting ones.

But government leaders must recognize that America’s strength lies in its open and competitive markets and the skill, determination, and innovation of the American people. In fact, to meet future energy and environmental challenges requires a concerted effort among government at all levels, the private sector, and society as a whole.

We are optimistic about America’s ability to meet these challenges. Soaring energy prices and deep concerns about climate change have created a unique consensus for action in this country. We must seize it. Our principles can help lead the way.

We can neither rely solely on any one of these components nor drop any from the list of needed actions.  We need to address them all, simultaneously and aggressively. With a challenge this great and urgent, America’s leaders should put differences aside and come together for a common sense approach to supplying our country with abundant and affordable clean energy to sustain our economy at home and our strength abroad.   

Comments

[Ricky Brooks II]

Energy literally fuels our economy. It enables business transactions to materialize. It enables those that execute business operations to get a good night sleep so that they have the energy to be optimally productive the next day. It also enables consumers to go to stores and service providers to purchase the products and services they need and want.

Just like businesses, average consumers want to cut costs on necessities as much as possible to yield maximum disposable income for their wants.

Consequently, we have to be practical in our approach to dealing with our energy problems in order to lift the dark cloud high energy prices are casting over our sputtering domestic economy. We will not be able to completely convert to hydrogen cars tomorrow. We will not be able to eliminate petroleum as our primary fuel source tomorrow. We will not be able to produce enough plug-in cars for everyone who wants and can afford one tomorrow.

With that said, oil companies need to use the offshore and shoreside land that is already available for drilling. There is no need to request more access to offshore and environmentally-sensitive drilling sites until currently available resources are fully up and running and producing at the desired levels. GET PUMPING!!

Oil companies also should take control of the development of new fuel technology and invest in the infrastructure to make it the new reality as soon as practical. Basically, the oil companies do not have to shed their leadership positions as energy providers. They can stay at the forefront of energy and lead America to a place that does not compromise our national security. Or, we can just accept the middle east nations as they are and respect their economic and social policies and minimize our interactions with them to petroleum-based business transactions. This will prevent us from depleting our own resources and putting ourselves in a desperate position.

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