Energy

By Jerry McNerney

Most of the technologies we need to reshape our energy future are at hand. What's lacking is the political will to use them. We can't drill our way out of oil dependency; we have to innovate our way out of it. American ingenuity can drive the process, and new American jobs will be the dividend.

The United States needs a "sustainable energy" plan because our economy depends on it, our environmental health requires it, and our position as a global leader requires it. We need a new model for the future and leadership on this issue now, before our reliance on fossil fuels results in a catastrophic collapse of the economy or the environment, or a large scale international conflict over the world's oil reserves.

A central feature of such a plan will be to quickly and significantly reduce our consumption of fossil fuels while promoting a more prosperous economy. Reducing our use of fossil fuels is critical to the long-term national security of the United States, the strength of our economy, the health of our children, and the future of the global environment. Most of the technologies needed to reshape our energy future are at hand; what's lacking is the political will to use them. We can't drill our way out of oil dependency, we have to invent our way out of it. American ingenuity can drive the process and new American jobs will be the dividend.

Jerry McNerney's plan for America's energy future starts with these major steps

Dramatically increase the fuel efficiency of new vehicles. Provide more public transportation and encourage its use. Establish federal leadership to increase the efficiency of buildings and electrical appliances building on successful energy-efficiency programs now in place in states like California, New York, and Washington. Provide clear, reliable incentives (and eliminate disincentives) for the development of renewable energy sources. Upgrade the nation's electrical infrastructure to be more efficient and reliable. End subsidies for fossil fuel extraction and instead invest the savings in research and development for renewables as well as efficiency improvement programs. Reassert U.S. leadership in reducing energy-related pollution, including the generation of greenhouse gases.

For more, see http://www.jerrymcnerney.org/issues/energy.asp