Energy

AMERICAN PUBLIC IS READY FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Jennifer Dougherty believes in the need for America’s energy independence and supports the need to invest in renewable energy sources, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and create the next generation of the “green economy.”

Dougherty knows that the first step is to focus on efficiency and conservation while building a sound national energy policy that creates a 10-year plan to energy independence. Americans brought the price of a barrel down more than $20 just by showing oil companies that “we get it.”

A good energy plan will jump-start our economic growth and create good jobs and opportunities, plus be good for the environment. “People in both political parties have to give a little – Democrats should be open to nuclear energy and Republicans have to understand that drilling is not the only answer. More important, they have to realize that the American public is ready for energy solutions!”

Environmentally-responsible drilling on the 68 million acres of land already under lease or off U.S. shores can be part of America’s energy plan, but Dougherty is concerned about relying on that supply because “there is no guarantee that oil and gas from those fields will come to American consumers.” Oil and gas get sold on the open market, China and others will compete for that oil and prices will continue to rise. “I hate to think about what Exxon Mobil’s profits will be in 7-10 years, especially if we rely on an old way of thinking.”

“Even my opponent, Roscoe Bartlett knows drilling is a short-term solution and has spent years opposing drilling. He said, ‘This drill here, drill more, pay less, is a great mantra, and it’s hurting the Democrats. But you need to finish that: And screw your kids and your grandkids, because that’s what we’re doing’.” (Politico, July 23, 2008)

Thursday, Roscoe Bartlett tried to explain his flip-flop on drilling for oil in ANWR on the Ron Smith Show on WBAL. After questions from Ron Smith, a caller said Bartlett was in denial, and then things really heated up when Jennifer called in. Listen for yourself:

Dougherty Calls Action Predictable and Sad

"Roscoe Bartlett says one thing and does another! That's been his record since he went to Washington in 1993. His flip-flop on drilling in the Arctic wildlife reserve is predictable and sad," said 6th District Democratic challenger Jennifer Dougherty. Bartlett announced today his co-sponsorship of new legislation that would allow for oil and natural gas production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "The American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act" (H.R. 6107) was introduced this afternoon by U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee, and Rep. Bartlett.

Bartlett claims that the proceeds of the drilling will be invested in energy alternatives, but Dougherty does not think that is the best approach. "We can remove the big tax breaks for oil and gas companies and invest in new technology without drilling in an environmental refuge. Roscoe's approach is wrong on so many fronts. It won't lower the price of gas, it does not improve our energy independence and it is bad for the environment. It is just election-year pandering."

"He knows that drilling in the Arctic will not lower prices at the pump and will have a huge adverse environmental impact. Marylanders get it - the Bush-Cheney energy plan is to let oil and gas companies get richer and Roscoe Bartlett has helped to make that happen."