FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2008
CONTACT
Brian Kennedy (202) 346-8826
Governor Palin Drills Down on U.S. Energy Policy
Washington, DC – Thomas Pyle, president of the Institute for Energy Research (IER) issued the following statement regarding Governor Sarah Palin’s (R-AK) speech on U.S. energy policy in Ohio today:
“As IER has pointed out time and time again, energy production is critical to America’s economic and national security. Alaska’s chief executive echoed this sentiment in her policy address, pointing out that falling prices are not a sign that our energy problems are behind us; they’re the result of the demand destruction and economic turmoil that come as a result of exorbitant prices for energy. If the U.S. is to recover from the current economic crisis quickly, leaders in Washington must act to ensure greater domestic energy production.
“For thirty years our national energy policies have contributed to the problems facing American consumers today. The willful refusal to increase domestic production of oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power has slowly – but effectively – starved our economy of the fuel it needs to create jobs, stimulate growth, and improve the quality of life for U.S. citizens. The year 2009 must mark a new beginning for American energy policy, beginning with a domestic workforce and domestic, taxpayer-owned energy resources.
“While the expiration of the ban on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy production is a good start, it’s not good enough. We must take the next step and join the rest of the developed world with a firm commitment to and timeline for production on taxpayer-owned federal lands. Whether it’s the OCS, ANWR, or other federal lands in the fifty states, America is rich with energy resources. Unfortunately, during the last three decades, we’ve been poor in the political will necessary to put them to work for the American people – a fact facing the next occupant of the White House, whomever that may be.”
The Institute for Energy Research (IER) is a not-for-profit public foundation that conducts intensive research and analysis on the functions, operations, and government regulation of global energy markets. Founded in 1989, IER is funded entirely by tax deductible contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. No financial support is sought or accepted from government (taxpayers).
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www.InstituteforEnergyResearch.org
