A Comprehensive National Energy Policy

For over 30 years, presidents and other politicians have discussed the need to wean our nation from dependency on foreign sources of energy, with little to show for results. While the economic threat has always been present, it has now grown darker as global oil supplies diminish in relationship to exploding oil demand from fast developing, immense economies such as China and India, as well as additional demand growth from more developed economies. The foreign policy and national security implications of global energy insecurity have become more complicated and critical over time. And we are just now beginning to understand the effects of our current energy use on our natural environment.

While there is no one "silver bullet" energy resource solution, and while some tough choices must be made, significant changes in energy policy are urgently needed in view of the national energy crisis. A "do nothing" approach spells certain economic disaster as free market forces harshly correct our economic reliance on cheap energy sources (as their true costs are revealed). Any responsible, sufficiently comprehensive national energy policy will include federal and state government incentives and mandates for lower carbon emissions, greater energy conservation and efficiency, and new energy resource development.

Before it is too late, our country must have a responsible, comprehensive national energy policy in order to, 1), empower and enforce greater energy responsibility, and, 2) create an economic environment that can support industry investment in energy efficiency and a sufficient energy resource portfolio.

To learn more about key ingredients and available options for a comprehensive national energy policy, and what such a comprehensive policy might look like, visit the Energy Source Comparisons section of this website. When our democracy can have an informed and honest discussion about energy policy options and their implications for a secure and responsible energy economy, we will begin to see some results. Click here to learn how you can help us inform our democracy so it can act responsibly.