Energy Independence

Energy independence is something the US has been talking about since the energy crisis of the 1970’s.  Unfortunately, while we have been discussing this issue for over 30 years, other countries have taken action and succeeded where we are still talking.

Brazil achieved this goal in 2006 by using sugar cane as a source for ethanol.  This is important as they discovered sugar yields 8 times the energy input while corn actually loses energy in the process of making ethanol.  Iceland has utilized geothermal and hydropower to yield significant returns on investment, while at this very moment, Germany has invested heavily in wind and solar power to decrease their dependence on Russian oil.

A true leader knows when to build upon successes of others and creatively adapt them to their situation.   As a true leader, I know we do not need to reinvent the wheel to make progress.  We must take what these other countries are successfully doing and implement them here to start us on the way of energy independence.  Along with this we must spearhead research and development of a variety of types of domestically sourced renewable means of energy.  We must reward results rather than continue to provide subsidies for unproductive R&D.  We must explore all avenues such as turning agricultural waste into energy in a cost efficient manner.

Our nations resources and energy consumption is as diverse as our district with many opportunities to source and utilize a variety of technology.  We must incorporate several techniques in a multi-faceted approach to secure energy independence.

While we are addressing the needs at this level, we can also encourage employers to implement telecommuting agreements with employees or shortened workweeks to minimize traffic congestion and energy use.  We must encourage citizens to conserve, ask builders to implement green plans in all new and refurbished buildings, ask transportation manufacturers to not only make more hybrids but lead the world in technological advancement to use clean, renewal, efficient fuel sources.  If we can put a man on the moon we can become energy independent.

This is not something that can be done independently.  It will take all of us doing our part so that we can minimize our dependence on foreign oil and bring a greater security to our nation.