YOU DO not have to believe every word that comes out of Al Gore’s mouth to understand the seriousness of the energy crisis facing the United States. This issue affects every aspect of American life, from the prices at the pump to our place in the global economy, and our dependence on foreign oil forces us to send hundreds of billions of dollars a year to authoritarian regimes.
The changes implemented by the next president on this issue will far exceed his time in the White House. John McCain understands the problems at hand and has demonstrated the courage it takes to stand against special interests and get America back on the right track.
John McCain recognizes that we must use all of the options at our disposal to solve this problem. A crucial part of that strategy is to determine what we can do right now to provide relief. Now is the time to lift restrictions on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf. Offshore drilling is the most direct way to expand domestic production and relieve pressure on consumers. At a time when hardworking Americans can barely afford gas, food and other necessities, it is imperative that we increase our domestic production to lower the price of gasoline.
As president, John McCain will lead the United States into a green economy. Green jobs and green technology will not only help solve the energy crisis, but will also strengthen the economy. To do this, he will pursue all possibilities, including nuclear energy, clean coal, wind, hydroelectricity and solar power.
Nuclear energy has proven the cleanest and most reliable source of electricity, yet it currently only produces 20 percent of the nation’s power. Emerging powers across the globe are expanding their use of nuclear technology, and we should too.
We should also commit to advancing clean coal technologies. John McCain will encourage American researchers to find ways to advance this important technology, creating new jobs and allowing the United States to play an even greater role in the green economy internationally. Finally, John McCain is committed to advancing the market for low-carbon alternatives such as wind, hydroelectricity and solar power.
Another important way to decrease the country’s oil dependency lies in the transportation sector. John McCain is a strong proponent of providing market incentives to producers who make fuel efficient and low-emission vehicles and to the consumers who buy them. Additionally, he supports investment in flex-fuel vehicles and has proposed a $300 million prize for the development of improved battery technology for hybrid and electric vehicles. By tapping into the energy of the market place and the innovation of our citizens, John McCain will move America forward.
In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, John McCain said, “We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and to restore the health of our planet.” When voters go to the polls on November 4, that is the type of leadership they will be looking for: someone who will keep all options on the table and bring an end to this crisis.
Savanna Rutherford is Chairman of College Republicans.
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