Energy and Environment
The threat to our environment is the overarching moral challenge of our time. The good news is that it is not too late to do the right thing.
The actions that we take today will have a profound effect on the quality of life for future generations. We must take action now combat the threat of global warning. Otherwise the world we grew up in will not resemble the one that our children will inherit. Integral to our success is how we approach energy.
Our policy so far has been to try to drill our way out of the problem by seeking more oil in environmentally sensitive areas. That is like speeding down a dead end street. We need a change.
Energy
Conserving Resources
Dan strongly supported the recent rise in CAFÉ standards and believes we must encourage the creation and adoption of more energy efficient technologies. From light bulbs to hybrid cars to better public transportation, there are many ways to conserve. Conservation is also good for the economy, as it helps people save money.
Investing in New Technologies
While his opponent has voted to subsidize the big oil companies with billions of tax dollars, Dan believes we should invest those same tax dollars in developing alternative and renewable technology and fuels. Doing so would help the environment, create jobs here in America, and improve our national security by lessening our dependence on oil.
Leading the Global Community
Dan believes the United States must provide leadership to the global community by joining the Kyoto Protocol. While India and China have refused to sign on, the best way to get them on board is for America to lead the way. Many cities in our area and across the country have already adopted those standards and are setting an example for the federal government to follow. It’s about time Washington started doing its part.
Gas Prices
The price of gas has more than doubled in the last seven years, while oil companies have reported the greatest profits of any companies in U.S. history. We deserve answers. We deserve relief.
With gas in the Chicago area reaching over $4 gallon, the 10th district is paying for the Bush administration’s short-sighted energy policies. In the short term, our options are limited. We can do some things around the margin, such as diverting oil deposits from the 97% full Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which will help reduce gas prices by up to 24 cents a gallon, and promoting the use of public transportation.
In the long run, we need a new energy policy. Instead of focusing our tax dollars on subsidizing oil companies, we should focus our money on diversifying our energy supply.
Dan also believes we need to get to the bottom of whether the big oil companies are price gouging consumers. Since 2003, the profits of the big oil companies have skyrocketed (in February 2008, Exxon Mobil reported the highest profits of any corporation in our nations’ history), as consumers have faced record prices at the pump. Dan believes it’s time we investigated widespread allegations of price gouging by the oil companies. Taking further steps to encourage public transportation should further reduce our demand for oil, while also reducing our carbon emissions to the benefit of the environment.
Protecting Our Environment
Dan strongly opposes any efforts to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), as it exemplifies the sort of short-sighted policy that has gotten our nation into its current energy crisis. It’s estimated that ANWR drilling would produce less than one year of oil and permanently destroy a valuable natural habitat. If we instead invest in solar, wind and hydrogen technologies we will create valuable jobs, reduce energy prices and make sure that America is not dependent on other countries for its power.
Aside from our energy needs, we also have to acknowledge that our air, water and land are resources even more important to our survival, and even easier to exhaust than oil reserves. Since we use Lake Michigan for so many important activities we have to be very aware of how we are treating this invaluable public resource. Recent studies have shown major areas of concern for the lake, including disappearing wetlands and shorelines, inadequate sewage facilities, invasive species contamination, and increased toxic pollution.
In Congress, Dan will work to secure funding that will achieve the critical goal of a clean, secure Lake Michigan that will thrive for our generation and generations to come. Water shouldn't be taken for granted, and if we abuse our water now we may not be able to use it in the future. Just as important is safeguarding the air. Not only is it critical to our health that we breathe clean air, but we also have to focus on reducing our carbon emissions to combat global warming. Dan Seals will work to reclaim our role as a world leader in environmental protection so that we, and generations to come, can enjoy a cleaner and healthier environment.
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