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EDITORIAL: Americans on energy independence

By | Monday, July 7, 2008

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If recent polls are any indication, Americans will have difficulty enjoying a carefree summer, facing, as they are, the reality of rising fuel prices. Despite overwhelming calls for action transcending partisan lines, there was no definitive congressional action taken prior to the July 4 break to initiate plans for America's energy independence. House Minority Leader John Boehner and his Republican colleagues said that GOP lawmakers "made it clear that Congress should not leave town without voting on meaningful solutions to increase American energy production. But Democrats did." Democrats can balk, but they cannot deny the facts - even when those facts are provided by an organization not always in sync with Republican policies.

The Civil Society Institute in collaboration with the nonpartisan Citizens Lead for Energy Action Now conducted a number of polls last month that highlight public sentiment:

Three out of four (76 percent) Americans polled, including 73 percent of Republicans, 74 percent of Democrats and 74 percent of independents, are "very angry" or "somewhat angry" about high gas prices and expect to pay $5 per gallon at the pump by Labor Day. This reflects an increase from the 71 percent in January who were responded to question about whether gas prices would reach $4 per gallon this summer.

Nine out of 10 Americans (89 percent) were angry about gasoline prices see a "great deal" or "some" price gouging at the pump.

Three out of five Americans (62 percent) noted rising fuel and other energy prices as their chief economic concern, including 62 percent of Republicans, 62 percent of Democrats and 61 percent of independents. In January 2005, by contrast, 51 percent cited energy prices as their major concern.

Nine out of 10 Americans, including 85 percent of Republicans, 93 percent of Democrats and 88 percent of independents, said the federal government is "not doing enough" about high energy prices and U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern energy sources.

About nine out of 10 Americans (86 percent), including 78 percent of Republicans, 93 percent of Democrats and 87 percent of independents, agree that "A sound energy policy is central to solving some of the most urgent problems facing our country. An energy policy that promotes clean power would encourage innovation, create new jobs and make for a stronger economy. It also allows the U.S. to disentangle itself from unstable and hostile regions of the world while also reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions."

Nine of out 10 Americans, including 86 percent of Republicans, 95 percent of Democrats and 86 percent of independents, said energy-related issues - including gasoline prices, home heating-oil prices, global warming and energy independence - will be "very important" or "somewhat important" when they vote.

Ninety percent of Americans, including 82 percent of Republicans, 96 percent of Democrats and 94 percent of independents, answered "definitely" or "probably" yes when asked if the United States should work to phase out of fossil fuels to be replaced by clean, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar electricity, as well as hybrid and clean diesel technologies for cars.

Three out of four Americans, including 62 percent of Republicans, 84 percent of Democrats and 77 percent of independents support "a five-year moratorium on new coal-fired power plants in the United States if there was stepped-up investment in clean, safe renewable energy - such as wind and solar - and improved home energy-efficiency standards."

More than four out of five Americans (82 percent), including 69 percent of Republicans, 91 percent of Democrats and 82 percent of independents, agreed that "the United States should be a leader not a follower when it comes to action on global warming."

Only 15 percent of Americans, including 24 percent of Republicans, 9 percent of Democrats and 15 percent of independents thought steps to curb global warming would "hurt the U.S. economy," while 56 percent said it would "create new jobs and investments." The remaining 25 percent predicted neutral impact on the economy.

On an issue that impacts virtually every American, the majority opinion is clear. Yet, it is being overlooked by members of Congress and the Bush administration. Constituents are beginning to promote initiatives of their own, such as the push to declare July 4, 2015 "Energy Independence Day" as the date to end U.S. reliance on foreign oil supplies. These recent polls hold an even more overwhelming majority than those regarding immigration in 2006, which found that 68 percent of Americans saw securing the border as a priority, according to Rasmussen Reports. These pressures forced lawmakers' hands and led to President Bush signing the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which provides additional fencing along the Mexican border.

Producing oil and energy sources here at home is crucial to weaning America off foreign oil.Congress must again heed Americans' calls. Energy independence should take top billing when Congress returns this week.

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EDITORIAL: Americans on energy independence

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