As you all know, our economy is dependent upon the importation of a substantial portion of the material for our energy needs. If the flow of oil, for example, was interrupted, then our economy would take a serious hit. Billions would be lost, businesses would go bankrupt, etc. So when you think about the crazy world we live in today, how secure could our nation possibly be if we depend upon potentially hostile nations for so much of our energy needs?
I believe its time for GWB to make a JFK-like challenge to the nation that we become energy efficient within 10 years. The first step is to set a goal. Then we can work on the most effective steps to getting there. Here are some random ideas on the subject. You can take or leave them as you wish.
1. Impose mandated minimum fuel efficiency ratings standards on all vehicles manufactured in the United States.
2. Impose an additional sales tax on vehicles that fall below the minimum standard for used car sales and sales on imports. I think a liberal group in Connecticut came up with this idea first, but just because a liberal said it does not make it automatically useless. We all benefit from keeping an open mind.
3. Look for ways to improve the regulatory process from the nuclear industry. Of course safety has to come first, but the fact that France has built dozens since we built our last reactor makes me think some of our barriers may be superficial. More nuclear power will lessen our need for imported oil.
4. Move ahead aggressively on exploration and pipelines in Alaska.
5. Sink subsidies into the research for cleaner burning coal technology that will meet environmental standards and methods of converting coal into synthetic oil.
6. Give tax incentives to homeowners who invest in energy efficient appliances and who invest in renewable energy devices such as photoelectric cells. Until these markets mature, the prices will continue to be prohibitive. Any incentives the government can give via tax breaks will only increase demand by making the products more affordable.
I know the things I have mentioned barely scratch the surface, but I hope it at least gets the ball rolling and I hope others will add their suggestions too.
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