March 11, 2010
Energy Independence
Energy independence is critical to the security and economic success of the nation. Energy exploration must be encouraged and rewarded.
Conserving the energy resources we have domestically for the long-term will inhibit our economic growth, and make it especially costly for Americans who must commute, and businesses who rely on frequent travel to serve their customers.
Increasing energy efficiency to reduce waste should be encouraged and rewarded. I believe this is the exact opposite effect of Cap and Trade legislation. When power companies are forced to purchase invisible commodities like "carbon credits" in order to continue producing power for their customers, that additional operating cost is going to be passed onto the customers, which will mean higher utility bills.
As a general rule, government subsidies should not be provided for inefficient energy production methods and/or outdated technologies.
There must be better ways to address environmental concerns without jeopardizing the economy, overtaxing private industry, and raising costs for consumers. This is a system of punishment, when a system of reward and tax-breaks for "green" practices should instead be implemented.
Within Our District:
I attended the Legislative Hearing on Offshore Drilling that took place on October 28th, 2009. It was an excellent exchange of positions between supporters and opponents of off-shore exploration and drilling.
It is estimated that offshore oil drilling would provide over 20,000 high-paying jobs to Florida residents. There has never been a major oil spill in the Gulf and there are currently over 4,000 rigs in place. Small spills that have occurred in the past were a result of hurricanes, and are no longer possible; the refueling stations that were once there and susceptible to damage are no longer exposed on the ocean's surface, because off-loading no longer takes place at the platforms.
The majority of an oil rig is underwater. Platforms above the water are allowed to be in place for no longer than the first six months, whereupon they're removed and the oil drilling continues out of sight. New technology doesn't allow for off-loading of oil at the site, but instead by being piped to storage facilities on shore, and then transferred for shipping to a third location.
This means no eyesores off our beautiful coasts, virtually no risk for oil spills or widespread damage to the Gulf's ecosystem, and the creation of jobs and growth of communities for those in Florida. This is a win-win situation for our district, Florida, and the nation!
