July 6, 2008

By Ron Klein

 

 This year, we have an obligation to stand together behind a new declaration — a declaration of energy independence. We, as a nation, face an energy crisis, and I know that if we harness the same American ingenuity and commitment this country was founded on, we can solve this crisis.

We have two responsibilities: Bring down gas prices in the short term and break our national addiction to oil in the long term. Moving toward clean, affordable alternative energy will strengthen our national security, revive our economy and preserve our environment, and the time is now.

I announced a plan to declare our energy independence with five practical solutions. They are:

Demand the oil companies "drill it or lose it." I co-sponsored legislation giving oil companies an ultimatum: Before you access new public land, drill the land you already have. Oil companies control 68 million acres that are permitted and ready for drilling, but just sit vacant. The Bush administration and some Republicans have temporarily blocked this legislation, but I will fight to see it passed.

Impose criminal penalties for gas price gouging. We need to impose tough penalties to stop gas price gouging. I supported legislation to do that, but again, the bill was opposed by the administration. Fighting gouging will bring down prices, and I will push until this is passed.

Stop speculation that's driving up oil prices. Experts say that ending unregulated speculation in oil markets could cut the price of oil by up to 50 percent. A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House passed legislation ending this practice. We closed loopholes for companies like Enron and cracked down on speculators.

Expand clean energy tax credits for businesses and families. A long-term solution begins with making energy-efficient products affordable. We passed bold legislation to extend tax credits to consumers making smart energy choices and supporting businesses investing in renewable energy. We can pay for these tax credits by ending $18 billion in subsidies to oil companies. It's time to stop subsidizing oil companies and start investing in clean energy businesses.

Invest in cutting-edge research to develop affordable energy. It is time for real investment in scientists and businesses who are developing and commercializing the next generation of energy sources. Whether the solution is wind, wave, solar, or any number of other renewable energy sources, I am confident that American innovation can solve our energy crisis.

This year, we remember our nation's founders and their commitment to achieving what once seemed impossible. In the 232 years since the first Independence Day, Americans have never backed down from a challenge, no matter how tough. Our next great challenge is solving the energy crisis, together, and we have no time to waste.

Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.