Real energy solutions
Recognizing that there is no single “silver bullet” to fix our nation’s energy crisis, Governor Warner today rejected the typical sound bite gimmicks that are being offered by some politicians these days.
In a speech before Richmond-area business executives, he offered both short and long-term solutions to help reduce the burden of high gas prices and help us reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Here is the round-up by WSLS-Ch. 10 in Roanoke:
In a speech at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, he said his short-term ideas include clamping down on market speculators who have artificially driven up the price of oil, and applying more pressure on oil-producing nations to increase production.
He said he supports exploratory drilling for natural gas and oil along the Atlantic coast but would leave the states to decide where to go from there.
By contrast, his opponent and fellow former governor Republican Jim Gilmore says he wants to drill for oil.
Warner’s long-term energy solutions include working with auto makers to raise fuel-efficiency standards and expanding domestic refining capacity.
Also, Warner told the group of about 60 people … that he supports responsible limits on carbon emissions and an increase in telecommuting and flexible work schedules to reduce driving. Energy is “one of the pre-eminent issues of our time,” he said.
Here is a summary of what he proposes:
Short-Term Solutions:
• Crackdown on oil speculators who are manipulating the market
• Apply pressure to OPEC nations to produce more, while empowering the Justice Department to crackdown on price gouging.
• Promote telecommuting and optional, flexible work schedules
Intermediate Solutions:
• Expanding a tax credit for hybrid and battery technology vehicles
• Dramatically increase our research and development, to encourage innovative new technologies and alternative sources
• Off-shore exploration in search of natural gas
Long-Term Solutions:
• Working with auto makers to raise fuel efficiency standards
• Upgrade and expand domestic refining capacity
• Implement cap-and-trade proposals to responsibly limit carbon emissions
Click here to view the press release.
Click here to learn more about Mark Warner’s real energy solutions