Energy
“We need to put bickering and inaction aside in order to work towards the day where America is truly energy independent. The work towards that day includes the utilization of every available tool: drilling for oil, hydrogen, clean coal, solar energy, wind energy, and the utilization of nuclear power. We’ve relied on foreign powers for our energy needs for far too long.” –Ben Loyola
We must not allow any sort of climate tax or cap and trade. It is estimated that under Obama’s energy plan it will cost about $3,200 a family per year. Considering that the average American spends $2,600 a year on fuel for transportation, this is simply another ridiculous burden that Obama wants to put on us. Taxes and government regulations will not help the energy situation but will simply hurt American citizens and industry.
For the immediate future, we must utilize every tool available to help steer us towards the day we truly become energy independent. This includes the utilization of hydrogen power, clean coal, solar and wind energy, nuclear power, and the drilling for oil. For the long-term, we must look towards developing dependence on renewable energies, such as hydrogen.
Hydrogen is a great example of the kind of technologies we need to develop in order to achieve long-term energy independence. Fuel cells and hydrogen-sourced energy are regarded as viable long-range technologies that one day could alleviate the United States' dependence on foreign oil, reduce harmful emissions, and create thousands of new jobs. Hydrogen is an energy carrier like gasoline or electricity.
If we want to reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency, we must offer incentives in the form of tax credits for individuals and businesses leading the way in innovation and energy efficiency. In Virginia, we can foster innovation by encouraging partnerships between Virginia’s Universities and private industry that will lead to new technologies and jobs.
We can further the cause of energy independence by bringing together industry experts, private business, elected officials, and civic leaders in Virginia. Together these groups make recommendations for energy innovation that will lead us into the future by recommending policy to help guide us towards energy efficiency, alternative/sustainable energy, and innovation at the federal and state levels.
Free market solutions will guide us towards energy independence, not government ones.
