The Clinton Energy Plan, Part Deux

                                    

I’ll admit it, I’m a political junkie. I follow politics and I am fascinated in watching how public opinion shapes public policy. In watching recent polls, I’ve noticed that the public is becoming increasingly concerned about “energy security.” In some recent polls, “energy security” concerns are even higher than concerns about “the environment” (generically) or “global warming” specifically.

Given the public’s growing concern about energy security issues, I’m somewhat surprised that Senator Clinton’s energy plan did not do more to address those very real concerns.

Currently, over 50% of the electricity we use each day comes from American coal. If you’ve seen our ads, you know that we have more coal in the U.S. than Saudi Arabia has oil (actually, that’s an understatement – we have more coal than the Middle East has oil).

However, if regulatory programs that will reduce America’s reliance on coal become law – our country will become more reliant on imported energy resources to meet our electricity needs!
That’s a fact, regardless of claims that energy efficiency and Herculean growth in the use of renewables can replace traditional energy resources like coal.

Unfortunately, Senator Clinton’s plan is not specific enough to discuss how she would address these concerns. This obviously has energy security as well as national security implications.
We think she needs to say more!

But before it appears that we’re coming down too hard on Senator Clinton for what she did say … let’s be clear that she is the only presidential that has offered details on this very important issue (at least thus far in the campaign).

So, like I said yesterday, Senator Clinton’s plan is a good first draft … but we’ll need to do better if we’re going to meet America’s growing energy needs and continue to improve our record of protecting the environment.

To the other presidential candidates, give us a chance to talk more about your energy plans. Get out there and talk to America about your energy and environmental policies that will ensure that we keep the lights on (and keep energy costs affordable) and protect the environment. We’re waiting to hear from you.