National Energy Plan

Adam Cappelen

Public Policy Reflection Paper

12-5-03

National Energy Plan

Ў§The balance between energy consumption and the environment have always seemed at odds with one another. Is it possible that the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge could be opened to oil exploration without adverse effects to the environment? I believe it can.ЎЁ

Q.) What type of National Energy Policy do we have here?

A.) Years of misguided federal and state environmental policies have raised the cost of production, failed to improve our nation's aging infrastructure, and dangerously increased America's dependence on unreliable foreign sources. The result: rising consumer utility bills, rapidly increasing gasoline prices, and rolling blackouts and brownouts.

A fundamental imbalance between supply and demand defines our nationЎ¦s energy crisis if energy production increases at the same rate as during the last decade our projected energy needs will far outstrip expected levels of production.

Q.) What is the current legislation?

A.) In early 2001, President Bush unveiled his National Energy Policy Report and I feel that was a step in the right direction. It recommends environmentally sound changes to increase domestic supply, improve delivery, reform counterproductive regulations, and encourage energy diversity. Although more should be done to ensure that any new policies adhere to free-market principles, the plan provides a blueprint for reform.

More recently, the Energy Conservation, Research, and Development Act of 2003 passed the House of Representatives 246-180. It goal is to conduct a balanced, long-term research effort in the areas of Buildings, Industry, FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies and Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure. Grants will be offered to develop and transfer various energy conservation technologies to the nonfederal sector.

Some examples of funded projects Grants have been awarded to perform: (1) Research on high performance heat pumps; (2) research on thermally efficient commercial buildings; (3) research in vehicle engines; (4) research on high temperature materials; and (5) research on industrial separation processes.

Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) praised House passage of a comprehensive energy plan designed to boost the economy and help secure energy independence. The legislation is estimated to create nearly one million jobs, promote conservation and reduce AmericaЎ¦s dependence on foreign oil.

Ў§America deserves a comprehensive energy plan that will help relieve us of our current reliance on foreign sources of energy,ЎЁ Cannon said. Ў§Over the last year, Americans have witnessed the largest blackout in our history and skyrocketing natural gas prices. This bill will help ensure cleaner, more affordable and more reliable energy for Americans today and also for future generations.ЎЁ

Ў§This legislation will not only power our energy security, but it will also add fuel to a recovering economy by creating nearly one million