An Energy Policy for the 21st Century

A threat to America's energy security is a threat to national security. Our "dependence" on OPEC and foreign oil entangles us in the Middle East and makes us dependent on countries that are hostile to America and American interests. The greater America's dependence on foreign energy, the greater the threat to American national security. This is the single most important communication recommendation.

Articulate the need to move toward American energy independence and energy self-sufficiency. It is the optimistic, hopeful flip-side of the national security argument. It is not enough to say what we don't want. We need to offer a positive goal.

We need to take a BALANCED approach to soiving our energy needs through DIVERSITY of supply. These two principles are closely linked and crucial to demonstrating that your approach is both long-term and comprehensive.

Reject talk about "choosing between more energy and a cleaner environment." Assert clearly that "we have to do both." The key principle is "responsible energy exploration." And remember, it's NOT drilling for oil. It's responsible energy exploration.

Innovation and 21st Century technology should be at the core of your energy policy. Articulate how 21st Century technology and innovation will provide the solution to our current energy situation. The following sound-bite works best: "We have the best scientists, the best engineers and the best technicians in the world. It's time to put them to work to develop a 21st Century energy program that leads America toward energy independence and self-sufficiency.'*

Stress alternatives that are CLEAN, EFFICIENT, and AFFORDABLE. Alternative sources of energy aren't really viable unless they meet these three criteria. Stress that increasing energy supplies MUST be done by "using energy more cleanly and efficiently and ultimately making it more affordable."

There is an important role for conservation. Whether through technology that allows our products to burn energy more efficiency to an effort to get Americans to be more careful when and how they use energy, we do want conservation to play a role in our energy future. Any policy without conservation will fail the public opinion test.

We need to say yes to a comprehensive, common sense energy policy for the 21st Century. It's time to hold accountable those who stand in the way refuse to accept the energy needs and the energy opportunities facing America now and in the future.