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Guest Commentary: July 31, 2001
Debate on Energy Must Bypass Washington Circles
The Honorable Rick Santorum
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We need to have a public discussion -- outside of Washington, D.C. -- on developing a national energy strategy, and I discussed this with the Vice President when the White House put forward its energy package a few weeks ago. It is important that the Administration bypass the Washington media and talk to the American public, answering questions from people who are impacted by high fuel prices, current and proposed power production plants, and the many other concerns that have arisen from the current energy debate.
Energy policy has become a very polarized issue because too many look at it as a zero-sum game. Groups on both sides often portray two stark choices -- either increase the energy needed to drive the economy, provide for a good standard of living and protect our national security OR conserve energy and protect the environment. This may make good headlines, but it is not reality. The White House plan accomplishes both goals. It enhances conservation and environmental quality through the use of technological innovations in the production of energy, by using cleaner sources of energy. At the same time we can improve our national and economic security with an increased domestic supply.
It is important to remember that our current dependence on other nations for our energy needs is a threat to our national security. During the fuel crises of the 1970's, the United States imported 35 percent of its oil. Today, that percentage is 57 percent and, if we remain on our current course, it is expected to increase to 64 percent by 2020. And at the same time that our dependence on other nations significantly increased, we have failed to take action and provide for our own energy needs. Though Americans' fuel consumption has increased – and is predicted to increase by another 33 percent through 2020 – we have built virtually no new oil refineries nor significant storage facilities.
Congress and the White House must use this time to put together a comprehensive plan that improves the ability of the United States to meet its energy needs through innovation and conservation. For nearly a generation, we have drifted along without a comprehensive national energy policy. As a result, despite recent drops in gas prices, we face a national energy crisis. It is critical that we turn it into an opportunity by implementing an energy strategy that meets our current needs and creates an economically and environmentally sound energy infrastructure.
I am very pleased that President Bush has the courage to move forward and make this happen. A comprehensive national energy strategy that includes wise development of our own natural energy resources, research and development of alternative resources, and sound environmental protections is the only effective solution to our future energy needs.
Note: Sen. Santorum issues a weekly column; the above is adapted from his column of July 20, 2001.
 How to contact Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA)
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