Posted by
Stefano on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 1:23:25 PM
Here is a letter forwarded to me by a constituent of US Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri. It is her answer to his concerns about high energy prices.
In summary, her answer to "Drill here, Drill now, Pay less" is "Use less, Regulate more, Pay more." If you are a citizen of the state of Missouri and are not a multi-millionaire like she and her husband, she is telling you that you're just going to have to adjust your lifestyle, and in the meantime wait until there are enough windmills and solar power plants to give you energy you can afford. By the way, if you're a trucker, an airline employee, an auto maker or a worker in any energy intensive industry, sorry about the layoffs. Now go find a great job in one of the new green industries. Those jobs are more ethical and good. "All best"
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Forwarded message ----------
From: Doug Morgan Date: Jul 7, 2008 8:55 PM
Subject: Claire McCaskill's Answer To Drill Now
To: kmiller@zingo.net
The following is Claire McCaskill's response to my Drill Here, Drill Now petition. How can we develop a groundswell and overpower the liberals? This is the typical democrat, Obama, and liberal media answer to our high energy prices.
Doug Morgan
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Morgan:
Thank you for contacting me regarding domestic energy production. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.
Our leaders need to be more up-front about what is really going on with energy production in this country. Oil companies already have an opportunity to increase domestic oil supply, but they sit on their hands and ask for more land when there is no evidence that they need it. Approvals for drilling on federal lands are at an all-time high and leasing to areas like the Outer Continental Shelf is already occurring.
Combined, oil and gas companies hold leases to nearly 68 million acres of federal land that they're not using both in Alaska and in the Gulf. This is over 80% of available federal land and the federal government provides these leases at a discount. Congress needs to pass legislation that would force oil companies to fully utilize these existing areas which contain some of the most abundant supply of oil in this country. It only makes sense that they explore and develop the millions of acres they already have access to before Congress permits drilling in new areas.
Energy experts contend opening new areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would not lower prices at the pump for years and then only by a few cents. Additionally, it would fail to move the country toward energy independence. With only 3 percent of the world's oil supply and 25 percent of the world's demand, it is clear America can not drill its way to lower prices. Our country instead needs real solutions to the energy crisis.
Congress, for example, is taking a hard look at oil speculation and whether there should be more regulation in this area to more accurately reflect the rates of supply and demand. This could mean a more fair and reasonable price at the gas pump. I also believe that continued investment in alternative fuels is the best way to reduce America's addiction to oil and America's best long-term energy strategy. Unfortunately, some members of Congress continue to block legislation that would help address this crisis and allow our nation become energy independent.
Also, I want to take this opportunity to dispel the myth that appears to be circulating that China has partnered with Cuba to drill off the coast of Florida. Some of my constituents are concerned that this is happening, but there is no offshore drilling venture between Cuba and China at this time.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to let me know if I can address any other issue that is important to you.
All best,
Senator Claire McCaskill
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