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| Energy Weekly Columns |
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6/06/2004 | Confronting the Energy Problem
Our dependence on foreign energy leaves American consumers at the mercy of events occurring all over the world, from OPEC production decisions to economic growth that increases demand in China and India to terrorism in Saudi Arabia to incipient dictatorship in Venezuela. Reducing our dependence would ease the unpredictable swings in oil prices that now cause such havoc with both family budgets and the larger economy. As Director of Energy at USDA during the 1970s Arab oil embargo, I can tell you that this problem is still with us because there are no easy and simple answers. |
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11/16/2003 | A New Energy Policy
As a member of Nixon's Presidential Oil Policy Commission during the Arab oil embargo, I have long felt we can and should do more to ensure domestic supplies of energy. After more than two years of negotiation, the House and Senate are poised to finally pass a much-needed energy bill to reduce our dependence on foreign petroleum. The legislation will also help make transmission networks more reliable to prevent a recurrence of the type of blackout that paralyzed much of the country in August. It is expected to pass before Thanksgiving. |
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04/06/2003 | Let's Declare Energy Independence
Some have suggested that we�re fighting in Iraq because of our dependence on foreign energy. That isn�t true, but the consequences of our dependence are serious. This first became clear during the Arab oil crisis of the early 1970s when I served on the Presidential Oil Policy Commission. We need this foreign energy because it is a vital component for fostering economic growth. Considering the situation in Iraq and the sluggishness of the economy, the need to reduce our dependence by conserving and developing new sources of energy has never been greater. This is why the energy bill passed out of my Science Committee will be very important for our economy. |
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12/08/2002 | Biofuels for Energy Independence
The U.S. consumes about 20 million barrels of petroleum per day, roughly 1/4 of total world oil production. We import 11 barrels of oil for every 10 barrels produced here. This makes us dependent on a variety of unstable and less than friendly countries in the Middle East and elsewhere. Fortunately, biomass technologies that can turn agricultural products into fuel offer hope that we can satisfy more of our own energy needs. On December 9, I hosted a regional biofuels conference with Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) to promote greater understanding of the production and use of biofuels. |
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11/10/2002 | The Next Congress
The November 5th election results have significant implications for the legislation and policy that will be implemented over the next two years. The election was historic, in terms of the unusual gains in both the House and Senate, for the president's party in a non-presidential election. Historically, these "mid-term" elections lead to losses for the president's party. In fact, the last time the president's party gained in a first mid-term election was 1934 under Franklin Roosevelt. |
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06/23/2002 | Safeguarding our Energy Supply
The U.S. is increasingly dependent on foreign oil. The consequences of that dependence first became clear during the Arab oil crisis of the early 1970�s when I served on the Presidential Oil Policy Commission. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, in an International Relations Committee hearing on June 20, further elaborated on these consequences. We now import 59% of our oil, much of it from countries that are unstable, potentially hostile, or both. It leaves us vulnerable to shocks from disruptions in oil supplies and political blackmail. The tension in the Middle East this year has raised gas prices by thirty cents since January and further increases are expected this summer. |
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08/05/2001 | Energy for America
The House of Representatives passed legislation establishing a comprehensive national energy policy (H.R. 4) on August 1. The act makes substantial progress toward strengthening America's energy security and confronting energy challenges that we simply cannot ignore any longer. The bill now goes to the Senate. |
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06/24/2001 | Moving Ahead on Energy
On June 21, Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham testified before the Science Committee about our energy problems. It was good to see our former Senator who has worked hard on developing an energy policy since becoming Secretary in February. As a member of the White House Energy Policy Commission during the Arab oil embargo, I've appreciated being able to work with him on this issue. |
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03/26/2000 | Gas Prices
As every driver knows, gasoline prices are skyrocketing. According to the AAA, self-serve unleaded gasoline now averages $1.57 per gallon. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson admits his department and the Administration "were caught napping." |
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