News-Letter

Energy. Modern society is built upon it. It fuels the economy that provides the technology, stable government and high standard of living that we are familiar with in the United States.

Thus, the decisions regarding the production and regulation of energy are vitally important to our national interests.

Today, energy from fossil fuels comprises 85 percent of the total U.S. energy consumption. This figure is important for several reasons.

First, since nearly all known oil reserves in North America have been exhausted, it shows our overwhelming reliance on foreign oil.

Second, it means that our environment continues to suffer the consequences from the burning of fossil fuels. Therefore, it is important to know where each candidate in the upcoming November election stands regarding energy policy.

According to a report by the League of Conservation Voters, President Bush is well on his way to compiling the worst environmental record in the history of our nation.

Bush has been severely criticized by numerous environmental organizations with regard to his energy and environmental policies.

The infamous Bush Administration energy plan, which was written by a task force lead by Cheney and others with strong ties to the oil and coal industries, called for the construction of several thousand new nuclear plants, exempted older coal burning facilities from current emissions standards, and pushed for the exploration of oil within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

This policy leaves little room for the cultivation of renewable energy resources and does little to resolve the serious drawbacks we face from our reliance on fossil fuels.

John Kerry, the leading democratic candidate, recognizes the drawbacks of our dependence on foreign oil.

His proposed energy plan calls for a reducution in the dependence on foreign oil by increasing fuel economy standards, implementing existing energy efficient technologies in workplaces, schools and cities, and assuring that at least 20 percent of electricity comes from renewable energy sources by the year 2020.

He also promotes research into clean coal burning technology.

Senator John Edwards' stance on energy policy is similar to Kerry's, but very vague.

He supports increased fuel efficiency standards for cars, "ambitious and achievable" goals for renewable energy, and increased access of energy price information to consumers.

If elected, Representative Dennis Kucinich would jumpstart research and investment in renewable energy technologies -- hydrogen, solar, wind and ocean.

He believes we should double our energy from renewable sources by 2010 and support the Kyoto climate change treaty.

There's a newcomer to the presidential campaign for the upcoming election. Green Party candidate Ralph Nader promises to create a new energy policy that no longer caters to entrenched oil, nuclear, electric and coal mining interests.

He believes it is important to invest in a diversified energy policy that reduces our dependence on foreign oil and increases reliance on renewable energy resources.

Democratic primary elections for the state of Maryland will be held Mar. 2, 2004. Edwards, Kerry, Kucinich, and Reverend Al Sharpton are all expected to run.

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