Wheaton IL , July 29, 2006 For Immediate Release.
Kirk and Some Other Illinois Politicians Lethargic In Responding To Energy
Question!
Keith Sanderson co-founder of USA Energy Independence and a resident of
Deerfield, IL which is in Congressman Mark Kirk’s
10th Congressional District announced today that the Congressman has been
sluggish in responding to the question regarding Energy Independence.
The question, “what are you and your colleagues planning to do to avert a
possible short term energy crisis and a probable long term energy crisis,”. was
posed by voice mail, two e-mails and also by personal conversation with one
of Kirk’s staffers on July 17th and 18th.
Other Illinois politicians, including Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama,
Congresswoman Judy Biggert of the Illinois 13th District, Governor Rod
Blagojevich and Republican candidate for governor, Judy Barr Topinka were asked
the same question.
So far Senator Durbin is the only Illinois politician that was queried who
has responded to the question about energy. The question posed to Durbin and
his response may be seen _www.usaenergyindependence.com_
(http://www.usaenergyindependence.com/) .
” Sanderson said. “Frankly, I am disappointed in Kirk’s apparent apathy
regarding what he plans to do to avert a possible short term energy crisis and a
probable long term energy crisis, Illinois can take a lead in the
production and processing of ethanol and other Bio-fuels. I was sure he would be
eager to respond to a constituent of the 10th Congressional District about a
subject as important as energy dependency on offshore sources..
The nonpartisan website,usaenergyindependence (http://www.usaenergyindependence.com) ,
was launched on the week of July 4, 2006. It is the definitive Internet website source for
information about USA Energy Independence. A unique feature of the web site allows visitors
to cast their votes for USA Energy Independence. Comments and views of elected political representatives and
candidates regarding USA Energy Independence are also posted on the site..
(End).
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
WASHINGTON - Leading House Democrats will introduce a bill tomorrow to take America in a new direction to achieve energy independence. The Program for Real Energy Security, or "PROGRESS" Act, will initiate a major national effort to make substantial gains in technology, conservation and vehicle efficiency, and the use of alternative fuels to advance America's national, energy and environmental security.
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD), Rep. John Dingell (MI), Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Democrat, Rep. Jim Oberstar, Transportation Committee Ranking Democrat, Rep. Mark Udall (CO), co-chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, Rep. Stephanie Herseth (SD), co-chair of the House Democratic Rural Working Group and member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, member of the House Transportation Committee and Task Force on Livable Communities, will introduce the bill.
The PROGRESS Act complements other House Democratic efforts on energy independence, including the Innovation Agenda and the Energizing America, BIOFUELS Act.
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD), Rep. John Dingell (MI), Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Democrat, Rep. Jim Oberstar, Transportation Committee Ranking Democrat, Rep. Mark Udall (CO), co-chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, Rep. Stephanie Herseth (SD), co-chair of the House Democratic Rural Working Group and member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, member of the House Transportation Committee and Task Force on Livable Communities, will introduce the bill.
The PROGRESS Act complements other House Democratic efforts on energy independence, including the Innovation Agenda and the Energizing America, BIOFUELS Act.
Monday, July 17, 2006
On June 14 via email I asked Senator Durbin of IL this question:
My question is relative to the dependency the United States has on offshore petroleum and natural gas energy resources and the consequences of this dependency. What do you believe needs to be done to avert a possible short term energy crisis and a probable long term energy crisis?
I would like to post your answer on www.usaenergyindependence.com so our visitors may gain insight to where you and other elected officials of both parties stand on this impending crisis. If you choose not to answer we will place you in the column of political leaders who elected not to respond to our question.
Here is his response on July 17.
July 17, 2006
Thank you for contacting me about gasoline prices. I appreciate hearing
from you.
I am deeply troubled about the effect of high gasoline prices on Illinois
residents. As the price of a barrel of oil has skyrocketed beyond $70,
oil companies have charged consumers far more than the companies' costs
for more expensive crude oil and for exploration and development. As a
result, Americans are subsidizing some of the largest annual profits in
the history of U.S. business. This is depleting the savings of consumers
who in many cases are struggling just to pay for food and other
necessities of life.
The increasing oil demand of a rapidly industrializing China and India and
political instability in numerous oil-producing countries are raising the
price of crude. Last year, I called on the President to begin an
investigation into whether oil companies are taking advantage of these
conditions to raise retail prices disproportionately.
We should begin by scrutinizing the mergers among the large oil companies.
These mergers have weakened competition and the accompanying pressure to
lower prices and profits, allowing five enormous oil companies to enjoy
record profits while deflecting the blame for high prices. I have urged
the President to get tough on price gouging, but he has been unwilling to
do so.
A new direction is needed in energy policy. We must cut our oil
consumption and develop promising alternative energy sources. If we
increase the vehicle fuel economy (CAFE) standards required for our
vehicles, we can save up to 100 billion gallons of gasoline by 2015. And
the reduced fuel expenses would keep billions of dollars in American
consumers' wallets each year.
I have long championed the use of ethanol, a domestically produced,
renewable energy source, and I believe it can be a significant part of our
energy policy. Ethanol reduces air pollution, buttresses our national
security by replacing imported crude oil, strengthens the rural economy,
and creates jobs as ethanol production facilities are built and operated.
In a nearly pure form, ethanol can also be an alternative to gasoline for
use in specially-designed E-85 vehicles. In 1987, I was the first member
of Congress to propose that the United States require that its gasoline
supply include 5 billion gallons of ethanol. Since then, the federal
Reformulated Gasoline Program's requirement that ethanol or other fuel
additives be mixed with gasoline in metropolitan areas has led to dramatic
reductions in ground-level ozone levels in Chicago.
Every year, Illinois produces more ethanol than any other state - about
800 million gallons. This generates nearly $6 billion a year in economic
activity for the United States and plays a vital role in the rural economy
of Illinois.
Long-term energy solutions for our nation's homes, businesses, and
vehicles will come from a variety of alternative energy resources.
Scientists and engineers are confronting the obstacles to the development
and commercialization of many promising sources of energy, such as
hydropower, hydrogen, solar, biomass, and geothermal. Congress has
offered major federal incentives for research and development to assist in
jumping these hurdles.
These steps can help America move forward toward a more stable energy
supply and a more secure energy future.
I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to work for a more
sensible energy policy. Again, thank you for your message. Please feel
free to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator
Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in
session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we
hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions.
We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more
details.
Keith
My question is relative to the dependency the United States has on offshore petroleum and natural gas energy resources and the consequences of this dependency. What do you believe needs to be done to avert a possible short term energy crisis and a probable long term energy crisis?
I would like to post your answer on www.usaenergyindependence.com so our visitors may gain insight to where you and other elected officials of both parties stand on this impending crisis. If you choose not to answer we will place you in the column of political leaders who elected not to respond to our question.
Here is his response on July 17.
July 17, 2006
Thank you for contacting me about gasoline prices. I appreciate hearing
from you.
I am deeply troubled about the effect of high gasoline prices on Illinois
residents. As the price of a barrel of oil has skyrocketed beyond $70,
oil companies have charged consumers far more than the companies' costs
for more expensive crude oil and for exploration and development. As a
result, Americans are subsidizing some of the largest annual profits in
the history of U.S. business. This is depleting the savings of consumers
who in many cases are struggling just to pay for food and other
necessities of life.
The increasing oil demand of a rapidly industrializing China and India and
political instability in numerous oil-producing countries are raising the
price of crude. Last year, I called on the President to begin an
investigation into whether oil companies are taking advantage of these
conditions to raise retail prices disproportionately.
We should begin by scrutinizing the mergers among the large oil companies.
These mergers have weakened competition and the accompanying pressure to
lower prices and profits, allowing five enormous oil companies to enjoy
record profits while deflecting the blame for high prices. I have urged
the President to get tough on price gouging, but he has been unwilling to
do so.
A new direction is needed in energy policy. We must cut our oil
consumption and develop promising alternative energy sources. If we
increase the vehicle fuel economy (CAFE) standards required for our
vehicles, we can save up to 100 billion gallons of gasoline by 2015. And
the reduced fuel expenses would keep billions of dollars in American
consumers' wallets each year.
I have long championed the use of ethanol, a domestically produced,
renewable energy source, and I believe it can be a significant part of our
energy policy. Ethanol reduces air pollution, buttresses our national
security by replacing imported crude oil, strengthens the rural economy,
and creates jobs as ethanol production facilities are built and operated.
In a nearly pure form, ethanol can also be an alternative to gasoline for
use in specially-designed E-85 vehicles. In 1987, I was the first member
of Congress to propose that the United States require that its gasoline
supply include 5 billion gallons of ethanol. Since then, the federal
Reformulated Gasoline Program's requirement that ethanol or other fuel
additives be mixed with gasoline in metropolitan areas has led to dramatic
reductions in ground-level ozone levels in Chicago.
Every year, Illinois produces more ethanol than any other state - about
800 million gallons. This generates nearly $6 billion a year in economic
activity for the United States and plays a vital role in the rural economy
of Illinois.
Long-term energy solutions for our nation's homes, businesses, and
vehicles will come from a variety of alternative energy resources.
Scientists and engineers are confronting the obstacles to the development
and commercialization of many promising sources of energy, such as
hydropower, hydrogen, solar, biomass, and geothermal. Congress has
offered major federal incentives for research and development to assist in
jumping these hurdles.
These steps can help America move forward toward a more stable energy
supply and a more secure energy future.
I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to work for a more
sensible energy policy. Again, thank you for your message. Please feel
free to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator
Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in
session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we
hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions.
We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more
details.
Keith
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Promote Energy Independence
America’s current dependence on foreign oil poses great risks for our country, including threats to our national security, economic instability, and significant environmental damage. We need a comprehensive energy program that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil by developing new energy technologies and enhancing fuel efficiency standards.
Both chambers of Congress are currently contemplating legislation directed at the urgent need to curtail the United States’ domestic oil consumption and our dependence on foreign oil (S.2025 in the Senate and H.R.4409 in the House of Representatives). These bills set a national oil savings target which would be met by improving energy efficiency, developing alternative energy technologies, and authorizing the establishment of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for heavy duty motor vehicles. Both pieces of legislation would reduce our domestic oil consumption by at least 2.5 million barrels per day (12.5% of current consumption) in a decade.- To view AJC’s Letter to the Senate supporting the Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act, click here.
- To view a press release on AJC joining the Set America Free Coalition, click here.
Take Action
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Provisions
The Act was intended to establish a comprehensive, long-range energy policy. It provides incentives for traditional energy production as well as newer, more efficient energy technologies, and conservation. More than 1,700 pages long, the Act has hundreds of provisions. Major items include:
* Provides an Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 Commercial Building Deduction for energy efficient building improvements
* Provides a tax credit of up to $3,400 for owners of hybrid vehicles;
* Authorizes loan guarantees for 'innovative technologies' that avoid greenhouse gases, which might include advanced nuclear reactor designs (such as PBMR) as well as clean coal and renewable energy;
* Increases the amount of biofuel (usually ethanol) that must be mixed with gasoline sold in the United States to triple the current requirement (7.5 billion gallons by 2012);
* Seeks to increase coal as an energy source while also reducing air pollution, through authorizing $200 million annually for clean coal initiatives, repealing the current 160-acre cap on coal leases, allowing the advanced payment of royalties from coal mines and requiring an assessment of coal resources on federal lands that are not national parks;
* Authorizes subsidies for wind energy, and other alternative energy producers;
* Adds ocean energy sources including wave power and tidal power for the first time as separately identified renewable technologies;
* Authorizes $50 million annually over the life of the bill for a biomass grant program;
* Contains several provisions aimed at making geothermal energy more competitive with fossil fuels in generating electricity;
* Requires the Department of Energy to study and report on existing natural energy resources including wind, solar, waves and tides;
* Provides tax breaks for those making energy conservation improvements to their homes;
"
The Act was intended to establish a comprehensive, long-range energy policy. It provides incentives for traditional energy production as well as newer, more efficient energy technologies, and conservation. More than 1,700 pages long, the Act has hundreds of provisions. Major items include:
* Provides an Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005 Commercial Building Deduction for energy efficient building improvements
* Provides a tax credit of up to $3,400 for owners of hybrid vehicles;
* Authorizes loan guarantees for 'innovative technologies' that avoid greenhouse gases, which might include advanced nuclear reactor designs (such as PBMR) as well as clean coal and renewable energy;
* Increases the amount of biofuel (usually ethanol) that must be mixed with gasoline sold in the United States to triple the current requirement (7.5 billion gallons by 2012);
* Seeks to increase coal as an energy source while also reducing air pollution, through authorizing $200 million annually for clean coal initiatives, repealing the current 160-acre cap on coal leases, allowing the advanced payment of royalties from coal mines and requiring an assessment of coal resources on federal lands that are not national parks;
* Authorizes subsidies for wind energy, and other alternative energy producers;
* Adds ocean energy sources including wave power and tidal power for the first time as separately identified renewable technologies;
* Authorizes $50 million annually over the life of the bill for a biomass grant program;
* Contains several provisions aimed at making geothermal energy more competitive with fossil fuels in generating electricity;
* Requires the Department of Energy to study and report on existing natural energy resources including wind, solar, waves and tides;
* Provides tax breaks for those making energy conservation improvements to their homes;
"
Friday, July 07, 2006
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)