Stevens outlines energy goals, stresses domestic resources
Published Friday, July 4, 2008
Digg
delicious
Facebook
Mixx
Reddit
Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — In order for any energy plan to move forward, lawmakers in Washington, D.C., will have to set aside party politics that are blocking domestic oil and gas development, Sen. Ted Stevens said this morning.
“We need to get together as Americans and forget about all this political baloney,” he said. But, he added, relief from high energy prices could come sooner than people realize because of the heavy pressure the public is putting on lawmakers.
Domestic resources — and in particular those in the Arctic and the Outer Continental Shelf — must be developed in the interest of national security, Stevens said.
“It’s been a political question. Unfortunately, it should not be,” he said.
Until the politics change, solutions to the energy crisis will continue to fall short in the face of delay tactics by those opposed to development of Alaska’s oil and gas, he said.
Stevens discussed his energy initiatives in a press conference Thursday at the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, a facility made possible, he noted, through an earmark he promoted.
Energy plans seem to be a foundation for politicians on the campaign trail this year.
Stevens cited bills he has introduced recently in Washington, D.C.
His plan is based on four key goals, which he hopes to further through legislation he expects to introduce next week. The central themes are:
• Stevens wants protection for domestic development. He called for a 90-day limit for appeals on development in order to avoid multi-year delays caused by litigation. He is also seeking protection from oil market speculation, which he said is largely responsible for the high prices Americans are paying at the pump.
“That must be stopped,” he said.
• The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should be opened to exploration and development now, Stevens urged. He recommended that all federal revenue generated through ANWR go to alternative and renewable energy projects.
• Success in development of alternative energy sources is going to require investment upfront, Stevens said.
“The difficulty with all these renewables and alternative sources is they all require upfront money,” Stevens said. He advocates creating hydroelectric and geothermal energy and pressed for more funding for alternatives.
• Greater energy efficiency by individuals, businesses and the government will help lessen the nation’s demand. Stevens’ energy plan supports, among other things, a program to allow federal employees to work from home to reduce commutes and gasoline consumption.
Stevens said he supports Gov. Sarah Palin’s short-term energy costs relief plan, which would extend financial aid to Alaskans to help subsidize home heating and other energy bills.
He commended Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker for exploration of a coal liquefaction facility, currently under study.
The Interior, in particular, could face serious changes if energy prices continue to rise, Stevens said, adding that people are already leaving villages for bigger cities like Fairbanks.
He warned that Fort Wainwright, Fort Greely and Eielson Air Force Base will likely face another round of closure discussions when a new administration enters the White House in January.
“They are the most expensive bases we have, per capita, in the United States,” he said. The highest costs are for fuel. He said local investment in coal liquefaction and synthetic fuel manufacturing could help ensure the continued operation of the military installations.
Community Discussion
Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.
ANWR has the potential to double our oil production, using the existing trans-Alaska pipeline. Offshore is environmentally risky. If we are currently supplying 25% of the domestic oil production, and in less than a decade can double that, it just makes good sense. If not now, when?
Could it have something to do with the fact the Feds just sold millions of dollars worth of off shore leases in the north western part of Alaska.
Yeps, just a Dry Valdez situation again, see what the final outcome in that disaster was..
Stay out of ANWR. The politicos must be promised some kind of nice kickback trying to get oil industry in ANWR.
Fortunately, over in the US House, Bill Shuster (R-PA) is actually providing legislation to benefit Alaska and the lower 48 for domestic resource development and renewable energy development.
http://www.house.gov/shuster/content/ene...
I have seen the offshore leases. However, I have known people who had leases in Prudhoe for a long time before actual development occurred. I am hoping that logic will prevail and that the offshore leases are not exercised. The last thing we need is an accident offshore. Especially when there is going to be open water. It could be the worst disaster we have faced, bar none. What we need to do is utilize proven technology (and upgrade it) and simply bring oil to market the same way we have always done. Personally, I think we should kick Exxon out of the state. And maybe I lean towards Alaska forming its own production consortium similar to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (but with much, much more oversight). Alaska has thus far been willing to let others do the work. And when those others screw up they screw us. It is time to have serious management of our own resources.
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.