An Energy Plan
• Cap and Trade is too punative for our oil and gas industry
• Deregulation of the energy industry in Texas has been disastrous for Texas 
consumers.
• ALL options must remain on the table for energy development.
• Recognize that global oil supply has peaked and competition for resources will increase.
• Nuclear Energy must be a priority. • Renewable green technology must be embraced!
• Improve the Grid through Smart Grid technology
Energy, including alternative energy, is everyone's future!!
One of the greatest challenges that the United States faces today is an energy crisis that has and will continue to dramatically affect everything from our economy to our national security. It is no secret that the United States is the world’s largest consumer of oil, consuming approximately 26% of the daily global supply. At the same time we only produce 3% of the world’s oil, forcing us to import some 58% of our supply. To simplify our much needed approach; nothing should be off the table.
CAP AND TRADE WILL COST TEXANS JOBS
Though I respect and understand the purpose of the proposed Cap and Trade legislation, it risks the job security of thousands of Texans who could be hurt by punitive measures levied against the oil and gas industry as a whole and a strong possibility of an energy tax on all consumers. Furthermore, I believe that there would be a disproportionately financial burden on the poor as electricity rates could rise dramatically.
PEAK OIL HAS ARRIVED
With the world’s largest economy based on an automobile culture, there seems to be no realistic vision that would include a total reduction in fossil fuels. As we see other countries race toward modernity, petroleum supplies globally will also fall. According to most geophysicists, the world had at its peak at some 2 trillion barrels of oil. By the beginning of this century we had used nearly half of that. What we all do over the next generation may very well determine the survival of our very way of life and the planet as well.
WE CAN'T STOP THE CLOCK
Trying to affix blame on everything from the government, to the big oil companies, to even the OPEC nations neither fixes the problem or adequately addresses the real cause. The Industrial Revolution which began a mere 200 years ago has now spread to once isolated and traditional regions that are actively seeking to improve their quality of life. As countries such as China and India seek a modern way of life enjoyed by the western world and some of their Asian neighbors such as Japan and South Korea; it is inevitable that the race will include greater demand for energy sources. There is no turning the clock back. It is safe to say that dealing with this energy crisis is of paramount importance which must include our federal government.
NATURAL GAS AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS
The problem falls into two broad categories: portable fuel for transportation and domestic and industrial energy. Alternative sources of gasoline as of yet have not proven to be technologically advanced to reverse the pattern of dependence. Ethanol, though successful for Brazil, is not going to be the answer for America. Geographic considerations such as climate benefit Brazil’s sugar cane production while our temperate farmlands of the Midwest must continue to focus on corn primarily as a food source. Higher commodity prices on agricultural products will be the result as we’ve already seen. To this point hydrogen is so water intensive that it threatens the ecological system that we depend on for our very survival. 98% of our natural gas comes from North America and we should continue to evaluate this source for our automobiles, yet as a fossil fuel it will see an eventual depletion as well. Natural gas is an environmentally friendlier source than gasoline made from oil however and must be looked at to address our environmental concerns. What we must depend on in this area is for energy companies to continue to invest in research and development that may lead to greater gains in alternative gasoline powered engines. Companies such BP Amoco is leading the way in the search for such alternatives.
DOMESTIC SOURCES MUST REMAIN ON THE TABLE
As part of our complete plan and strategy we must be allowed to drill in areas along the continental shelf of the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We must prevent special interest groups who are taking advantage of the NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) mentality from allowing drilling by our domestic energy companies. The technology is such that it can be done safely without disturbing or damaging the environment. All energy initiatives must be treated equally in a free market system.
Our domestic and industrial power is more diverse in its sources. 56% comes from coal powered plants, 21% from nuclear power, 10% hydroelectric, 10% natural gas, and 3% oil. However, only 10% of Texas energy comes from nuclear energy. We must prevent the government and environmental attempts to prevent our nuclear energy production. The STP 3 & 4 must be built and as your Congressman I will work with all parties including NRG, NINA, and CPS Energy to make it a reality. Nuclear energy is a clean, inexpensive, and dependable source that we must promote and make a priority.
EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Wind, solar, and biomass have significant issues related to the containment of the energy, loss of power over distance, and capital outlay costs. Those are some of the primary reasons why it has been difficult to expand this sector of the energy market thus far. However, new technologies will improve with our commitment to improving renewable energy that may make us less dependent on fossil fuels in the future. We must recognize that the era of cheap oil is coming to an end and seek every possible option. A bold approach through innovation and creativity will lead to job creation for our district and the state of Texas.
Green Energy such as solar and wind companies are showing tremendous improvements that will allow for greater accessibility as transportation routes increase efficiency. The primary means of this development will come from entrepreneurs such as T. Boone Pickens who has launched his wind campaign across much of West Texas. It is estimated that we can up the contribution of wind energy in the United States from less than 1% to approximately 20% if we act now.
IMPROVE THE GRID NOW
A growing concern in the U.S. is the inefficient grid system that loses as much as 2/3 of its energybefore it reaches consumers. This outdated system will lead to further blackouts as demand inevitably goes up. Smart Grid technology is now available that will provide a more reliable and less expensive energy product for Americans. The Galvan Electricity Initiative which was started by former Motorola CEO Bob Galvan, is leading a campaign to bring this to the forefront of political leaders in an attempt to bring about this more reliable alternative. Essentially by using a Smart grid system, customers will also be able to purchase their power based on their own usage patterns as opposed to preset kilowatt rates.
Our future is at stake and we must act now!
ENERGY - A NATIONAL PRIORITY
