President Obama says that he wants to see us cut our imports of oil by one-third, and he is giving us many years to do that.
On the surface, it may sound like a bold undertaking, but I maintain that it's not only possible but that this is a very understated goal. He is not aiming high enough - maybe because of his own policies.
Fact number one - the US has the most oil reserves of any nation in the world - that's right, the most - even more than Russia.
Fact number two - the US has the largest reserve of untapped natural gas in the world.
Fact number three - other countries are ining up to "steal" our offshore resources by drilling for them when we are not allowed to.
Fact number four - we haven't built or permitted a refinery in nearly 40 years.
Fact number five - we talk about energy independence but never do anything about it.
Rather than reducing our imports by one-third, we can reduce them by 90% or more. All it takes is for Congress to put a lid on the EPA's empire and authorize refineries and off-shore drilling immediately. Nevermind the President's defacto ban on off-shore exploration and drilling. Nevermind the cries of the few environmentalists who think we should be paying $10 a galon for gas.
The US gained its strength in the world as an industrial power. We can regain that position rather easily.
This does not mean that we don't explore biofuels and other sources of energy. It just means that we have so many reserves to use while we're doing so that we can be nearly or totally independent. We could even begin exporting oil and natural gas.
The President is holding back on his vision because he knows his policies won't even let that goal materialize. Congress needs to be the bold one here. This is interstate commerce. This is international commerce. This is national defense. This is the general welfare. Go for it. It's way past time.
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com, or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. Listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings.
Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Steve...and to think that he wasted that prime audience of "screaming females" to address our 'energy' needs. I thought that I heard [probably a sound-bite later] that he claimed to have approved two [2] permits in 2010.
WOW, that is great news isn't it? Oh man, this would be a funny slap-stick-type show if it wasn't true.
Have a great weekend.
Barb
Rather than using up non-replaceable natural assets I would prefer to see more attention directed to husbanding resources and looking for alternative methods for energy production. If that means prices go up, so be it, that's the price of responsibility.
The cry in Washington for 'Energy Independence' is really what the citizens want, if they understood what it meant. We should not be dependant on foreign oil. Our American dollars are going overseas to build infastructure for Arab countries like Dubai.
He closed the door on SO MANY OPTIONS during his election that his ELECTORIAL base will not let him forget that he NEEDS them in 2012
Barb and Sal,
He just allowed something to go forward that was already allowed - but nothing more. :)
Steve
Chris,
What good does having a 100 year supply of oil just sitting in the ground that we'll never use for anything - if we create an alternative? Let's use it, that's what it's there for. :)
Steve
Michael,
And many of us know that the spigot could be turned off entirely in relatively short order. :)
Steve
Wallace,
Looking foward to a Trump-Obama debate. :)
Steve
Chris- How responsible is it to let middle and lower class families pay much more for a gallon of gas than they need to. It is not. Here we are trying to get our countries financial house back in order and one of the first steps is to cut costs. Hig priced gasoline hurts our economy more than it would ever help. And then there is the matter of a few jobs in the Gulf area.
Come on back and explain your idea because you came off very callous.
Congratulations Steve- this blog is now featured in the Tea Party group of AR.
Congratulations - This post is now featured in Silent Majority of The Active Rain Network!
The President is great and sending mixed messages. He talks big words but then does little to nothing about it. He is a far better campaigner than he is a leader.
BP is going back to drill in the Gulf * HOORAY! YET! no one is buying the GM VOLT * even with the rebate....it's time has not come.
Kevin,
Agreed. Prices should be driven down by competition and deregulation. :)
Steve
Kevin,
Thanks for the feature. :)
Steve
Nick,
Thank you. :)
Steve
Rob,
Agreed. :)
Steve
Wallace,
The drilling is great, the Volt is not. :)
Steve
If you wanted to create a terribly energy-poor country, you would do what BO is doing. I think he is trying to make the "dream of his father" come true (if that guy WAS his father).
Jay,
He sure has a different vision that us free enterprisers. :)
Steve