Affordable America Energy

by Don Sterhan

At a time when our demand for energy is rising and we face outrageous prices at the pump, the need for increasing exploration of oil and gas reserves is a topic of critical importance. To advance this objective and bring more urgency to the debate, the US Chamber recently joined with other key associations to form the Coalition for Affordable American Energy (CAAE).  Today this coalition took an important step forward in underscoring the importance of this issue and in making the business case for expanded exploration and production of our own domestic reserves.

President Bush invited representatives from the coalition to meet with him earlier today to discuss the goals of the coalition and, more specifically, ways to move forward in achieving reliable energy supplies. It was a unique opportunity for me to join with Bruce Josten of the US Chamber and business leaders from a variety of industry groups to participate in this discussion.

Not surprisingly, President Bush was not only knowledgeable about the issues, but also has a firm grip on the challenges and obstacles that exist in the political landscape of Congress.  Although the conversation was focused primarily on the need to expand oil and gas exploration (particularly in the Outer Continental Shelf), there was recognition of the need for a comprehensive energy policy that addresses a series of energy sources and solutions. 

The President spoke about the technologies that are now available and the need for further enhancements of technology.  Also discussed was the issue of infrastructure and the need to increase our capacity for output – if we are serious about increasing supplies to meet the rise in demand, then at the same time we must get serious of about our infrastructure and our system of delivery into the marketplace.  Without a doubt, there is a present day need for progress on new refinery capacity, pipelines and transmission systems.

The President received some good input from the group and he was very engaging and receptive throughout the conversation. I believe it was a good step forward in helping to elevate the purpose of the coalition, and I commend the President for bringing this issue front and center at this critical time.  As emphasized by President Bush in his summary remarks, there are many hard working Americans that are paying the price for the lack of a realistic energy policy.

Congress can no longer wait to vote on this important issue.  Let’s encourage our respective members of Congress to get engaged on this issue – and act now to provide needed access to the large reserves we have right here in our own backyard.

Don Sterhan is President & CEO, Mountain Plains Equity Group, Inc. and Chairman of the U.S. Chamber’s Environment & Energy Policy Committee

Comments

[Mike]

CITY OF BILLINGS MAYOR RON TUSSING HAS HAD FOUR ETHICS VIOLATION COMPLAINTS FILED AGAINST HIM WITH THE BILLINGS BOARD OF ETHICS
by MONTANA NEWS ASSOCIATION

Billings Mt.,Aug 26, 2008--/MNA PRESS/--Billings Mayor Ron Tussing has had four ethics violations complaints filed against him, with the Billings Board of Ethics. A letter, signed by over 100 citizens, was sent to Judge Russell Fagg, in his capacity as Chair of the Billings Board of Ethics. The four complaints pertain to potential breaches of duty allegedly committed by Ron Tussing in his official capacity as mayor.

According to Montana Code Annotated 2-2-121, public officers are prohibited from using public time, facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel, or funds to solicit support for, or opposition to, local ballot issues. The letter to Judge Fagg outlines four potential issues, in which Ron Tussing may be in violation of Montana State law. Ron Tussing, in his official capacity of mayor, is a member of the Celebrate Billings steering committee and as such, actively campaigned for and supported the passage of the 2006 Billings Ballpark Bond Issue and the 2007 School District 2 Mill Levy. Mayor Tussing also campaigned against the 2006 Repeal of the 2004 Public Safety Mill Levy.

The complainants allege that Mayor Ron Tussing used Billings City time, facilities, equipment and supplies in support for, and opposition to, these ballot issues. The complainants attached over thirty (30) evidentiary exhibits, in support of their claims.

The Billings Board of Ethics will meet to review the complaints. The complainants have requested that all members of the board, who have been appointed by Ron Tussing, be recused from the review process. The complainants also have requested that Victoria Cech, whose husband serves on the Celebrate Billings Steering Committee with Ron Tussing, be recused, as well.

If the Board substantiates the complaints, the next step is to refer the complaints to the Yellowstone County Attorney’s office. The county attorney may then launch investigations into the alleged breaches of duty and fine Ron Tussing between $50 and $1,000, for each substantiated violation.

Ron Tussing is running against Brad Molnar for Public Service Commission District 2.

http://www.montanasnews.tv/articles.php?mode=view&id=12114