Jim Steiner, 2nd CD candidate: Direct Response to Cong. Paul Hodes' Article re Energy

Paul Hodes, is partially correct when he notes in his recent article, as to energy issues, that "[u]nfortunately, political posturing in Washington is holding up real action . . . ." His focus, however, is misdirected. He misses the mark as to solutions that could have occurred, indeed, should have occurred, and which Paul could have been part of this summer. Votes should have taken place before the unnecessary five-week congressional vacation. Cheers for those that tried in vain to avoid a recess. Congress had a duty to vote on relief for Americans. Small wonder the rating for Congress is at an all-time low. Congress needed to show leadership and resolve. It failed.

Had I been the 2nd District Congressman, I would have supported the following initiatives:

• Suspend the 18.4 cents/gallon gas tax to promote travel and tourism.
• Suspend the tariff on ethanol, to allow the free market to impact ethanol pricing, overnight.
• Promote, in conjunction with a long-term plan to develop domestic resources in Alaska, our shale oil resources, and coastal supplies, the release of one-third of the strategic oil reserveinto the market in the summer of 2008.

The last point enjoys bi-partisan support. The difference is in volume. My opponent suggests diverting a smaller volume daily from the strategic oil reserve, therefore introducing modest volume into the market. Unfortunately, this is like adding a drop of ink to a bottle of water. It turns the color a shade, but it is diluted. What is needed, truly, to impact the market immediately, is a release of 1/3d of the reserve in order to have a substantial impact on price. This is no different than has occurred in the past.

Relief for Americans this summer was within reach. My opponent proposes "[d]eveloping a new energy strategy based on conservation and renewable energy [as] the challenge of our generation." Last I checked, there is no light switch that allows us such a wholesale overnight rejection of fossil fuels to support our economy. Realistically, the economy does best when Congress backs off. We need to allow oil companies to invest in developing resources that accomplish two longer term stabilizing goals for America: (1) keeping the price of gas, once reduced, below $3.00/gallon, and lower; and (2) developing sufficient economic alternative drilling options to keep the price per barrel below $100/barrel, and lower, in conjunction with developing energy independence for this country.

The short-term plan for 2008 made sense, but the real goal has to be long-term energy independence, not merely conservation and alternative energy. On par with the priority devoted by this country to putting a man on the moon in the 1960s, achieving energy independence should be taking the same level of national priority in 2008. It interfered with vacation. There is no current partisan bickering; it is difficult to bicker with members already at home.

The long-term plan stood ready for a vote prior to vacation. It is called the American Energy Act. It provides for new refineries in order to increase the volume of processed gas. It provides for limited drilling in ANWR, the coastal areas, and our shale oil resources in order to allow companies the opportunity to develop the most economic alternative drilling locations. It provides for new nuclear plants. In addition, it provides for tax incentives for alternative energy development and personal energy conservation efforts. There was time to bring the American Energy Act to debate and a vote. It did not happen. It was time for Congress to show leadership and resolve to help the American people. The part of Congress that headed home failed to do so. I intend to be part of the Congress that stays in D.C. and gets the job done.

Does five weeks make a difference. Yes it does. Winter is approaching. The focus on alternative energy and conservation is misplaced in the debate for achieving energy independence. A real plan for independence has an impact not just on energy costs, but on the economy, small business, the strength of the dollar, and national security. Timing and leadership are key. Proactive action for energy independence is required today, well, even a week ago.

The recess should be curtailed. It is time for Congress to get to work for the American people. That is how positive approval is won. My vote would be to act immediately, and to protect Americans and our economy by passing legislation to provide the roadmap for achieving energy independence