ZPEnergy.com - On Earth Day, here is an energy plan for our future

By Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley

The time for talk is over. It's not enough to simply declare that "America is addicted to oil." What we need is real, immediate action to save our planet. The problem is that the energy policy of this country supports, and in many cases bolsters, an oil-based energy infrastructure that is unsustainable. As we come together to celebrate Earth Day this year, we are sadly realizing that this country's and the world's dependence on oil is giving us a lot less to celebrate than we have in the past. But there is a reason to celebrate: the real and present problem of global warming is finally resonating around the world. People are recognizing that we don't have much time left to act before it's too late.

I don't mean to be an alarmist, but rather a realist. The United States is set up to run on oil. During much of the last century that made sense. In the year 2007, when we can make a car run on energy from the sun, stalks of corn or hydrogen -- with the only byproduct being a few drops of water -- it makes no sense at all. As we celebrate Earth Day this year, our country must make an immediate and full commitment to turn away from oil and all fossil fuels and move toward renewable, clean energy.

The shift away from oil won't happen overnight. It will take decades to fully implement and will have to be on the scale of the Manhattan Project. But the positive effects of reduced oil dependence, which will start to be felt almost immediately, will put this country on a course toward much more prosperous and secure times. Creating an infrastructure that is based around clean sources of energy is a critical step in tackling global warming since carbon emissions are the key cause of global warming. Investing in alternative energy will also help us achieve independence from unstable regions of the world, particularly the Middle East. Right now, the United States is propping up undemocratic, repressive regimes in that part of the world, some of which serve as breeding grounds for terrorists. Why are we doing this? Simply because those countries have oil and we have an infrastructure set up to run on oil. Our country's national security is at risk because of our dependence. This is not good. In fact, it's downright dangerous.

In addition to the environmental and national security benefits, investing in cutting-edge, innovative energy technologies will create an enormous new sector in our economy with good-paying jobs. I think New York can play a critical role in the development and proliferation of alternative energy across the county and the world, which will be a major boon to our state's economy. By harnessing the brilliance of our business leaders and the brain power that exists in and around New York's colleges and universities, we can establish our state as the renewable energy leader. The tech revolution created Silicon Valley in California and the alternative energy revolution has the opportunity to create a Green Valley in New York.

So what to we do to make this happen? The good news is that with a new Democratic-led Congress, we are already working toward important new energy policies. In the past few months, the House has: passed language that I helped author to repeal $14 billion in subsidies for Big Oil and instead invest that money in alternative energy; created a Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming; passed a budget that invests in clean, alternative energy research and development; and we've even launched a "Green the Capitol" initiative to reduce energy consumption and develop sustainable practices for the U.S. Capitol and congressional office buildings.

The big steps are on the horizon, though. Last week, my colleague Congressman Chris Shays, R-Conn., and I reintroduced a sweeping, bipartisan energy reform bill called the Energy for Our Future Act, which, if implemented, would put this country on a path toward much greater energy efficiency and eventually complete energy independence. Among other important steps, the bill: saves oil by increasing fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks; encourages the purchase and manufacturing of hybrid vehicles; increases funding for the research and development of biofuels, hydrogen, solar, and wind technologies; and reduces heat and electric bills by increasing and extending energy efficiency tax incentives.

Getting everyone on board with a clean, alternative energy plan will take some time. Many elected officials have gotten so used to the fact that oil makes this country run today that they fall back on that and continue to support more drilling instead of investing heavily in clean energy. Just this past week, I introduced several bills to stand up to the Bush administration and stop plans for more oil and gas drilling in precious parts of our country, including Red Rock country in Utah and Bristol Bay in Alaska. Oil simply is not the answer anymore.

The shift from oil to alternative energy will not be easy, but it will most definitely be worthwhile. An oil-free America means a healthy, prosperous and secure America. That's something we owe to ourselves, our children and grandchildren, and all future generations of Americans.

Hinchey represents New York's 22nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now in his eighth term, Hinchey serves on the Appropriations Committee, the Committee on Natural Resources, and the Joint Economic Committee.

Source: GUEST VIEWPOINT

Note: Democrats Rescue Technology Research Program - Written off as dead by critics and fans alike, the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) has been given a $79 million lifeline from Democrats in the U.S. Congress. (ScienceMag)


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