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Energy Plan Reaction: Policy Works to Secure Energy Future COLUMBUS, Ohio, US, 2001-05-18 <SolarAccess.com> The policy recognizes the critical importance of developing a national energy policy, and the comprehensive policy framework can serve as the foundation for policy deliberations as the Congress seeks to draft bipartisan energy legislation that will protect consumers and promote continued environmental improvement, according to Americans for Balanced Energy Choices. "Since the goal is to enact a comprehensive energy policy, we're at the beginning of the path as opposed to nearing its end," says ABEC president Steve Miller. "There is still much work to be done. Formulating a sound energy policy is in the national interest and transcends political boundaries." "While some only want to focus on putting bandages on the wounds in California and elsewhere, we believe the focus should be on more long-term solutions," he adds. "America has a growing demand for energy, and we must meet that demand while still protecting the environment." ABEC believes that four principles form the foundation of an energy policy that balances growing demand for electricity with the need to protect the environment. The principles include fuel diversity, investments in energy infrastructure, increased generating capacity, continued commitment to energy efficiency, technology to ensure continued environmental progress, and environmental regulations that are based on sound science and ensure environmental benefits that outweigh their social and economic costs. "Despite America's growing demand for electricity, some special interest groups have advocated removing vital energy sources like coal - which currently accounts for over half of America's electricity - from our energy mix," adds Miller. "Both the Bush Administration and the Democrats in Congress agree that electricity from coal will play a fundamental role in meeting America's increased energy needs in the years to come." Coal is an inexpensive, plentiful and increasingly clean source of power, the group claims. It disagrees with the view that less emphasis should be placed on production and more on energy efficiency or conservation, arguing that "America cannot conserve its way out of our energy crunch." Changes in consumption patterns are not necessary "given our access to abundant domestic energy resources and the ingenuity and technology to use them wisely." |