OH-16: The Schuring Energy Plan

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The Schuring Energy Plan

For too long, challenges facing our nation have gone unaddressed by those in Washington. The current energy crisis is a prime example of how Washington is broken and has lost its ability to plan and use common sense to solve problems. The Department of Energy was created more than 30 years ago, and it has done very little to solve our energy problems in that time.

Our nation no longer can afford to ignore this serious issue because the stakes are too high. We must start down the path of energy independence now. If we don't, the transfer of our wealth to foreign countries, many who don't particularly like us, will not only cripple our ability to infuse capital into our own economy, but will continue to threaten our national security. In addition, rising energy costs will impede our ability to compete in the global economy and ultimately cost Americans jobs. We need a long-term plan with short-term objectives in order to achieve energy independence. Here is my proposal:

1. Build a Bridge to Energy Independence

Getting to that state of independence requires that we build a bridge to advanced energy technology while weaning ourselves from our over-reliance on oil. We'll do this by achieving a series of short-term solutions outlined here. Gas and oil prices directly affect household budgets and a businesses ability to grow and create jobs.

Our inability to tap American resources has led to a widening gap between demand and domestic supply over the last three decades, forcing us to import foreign oil. U.S. oil production has declined from nearly 10 million barrels per day in 1970, to 5.1 million barrels per day in 2007. In 1973, the U.S. imported 6 million barrels per day or 34.8 percent of our total supply.

By 2006, net oil imports had reached 12.4 million barrels per day or 60 percent of our total supply. By increasing our domestic oil production, we will reduce the price at the pump and help businesses grow and create jobs.

Repeal the congressional moratorium on drilling offshore: Eighty-five percent of the Outer Continental Shelf, 43 million acres, is currently off limits to development due to the congressional moratorium.

Drill in ANWR: Drilling will utilize only 1/10th of 1 percent of the ANWR acreage and at least 12 billion barrels of recoverable oil is available now.

Tap into American shale reserves: According to the U.S. Department of Energy there are currently 800 billion barrels of proven shale reserves in America, three times larger than those of Saudi Arabia.

Build new oil refineries: One component of achieving energy independence is having the capability to refine the resources discovered in America. We haven't built a refinery in 32 years. In order to keep pace with domestic oil supply, we need to start building refineries.

Utilize clean coal technology: Clean coal can help put Ohioans back to work. Eighty-seven percent of Ohio's energy is already generated by coal. We need to continue to capitalize on this inexpensive energy source by using the latest in advanced clean coal technology.

Build new environmentally safe nuclear plants: We need to work to establish partnerships between industry and local, state and federal authorities to encourage development and deployment of new and proven nuclear technologies.

Properly regulate speculators: We cannot allow those who are intentionally gaming the futures market to go unchecked. We need regulatory reform that will reign in those who manipulate the futures market to influence prices.

Raise the bar for oil companies: In order for oil companies to receive federal tax breaks or other incentives, they need to provide evidence that profits are being used to increase domestic production and build refineries.

Encourage common sense energy conservation: Our nation's energy policy must encourage practical ways to conserve energy wherever possible in our homes, our cars and our work places.

Increase automotive fuel efficiency: We must continue to encourage auto manufacturers to produce fuel-efficient vehicles. Seventy percent of our oil consumption comes from transportation-related expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. When our automobiles achieve higher fuel efficiency standards demand for gasoline will fall and reduce our need for oil.

2. Aggressively Pursue Advanced and Alternative Sources of Energy

We're on the threshold of many exciting breakthroughs in new energy technology. Wind, fuel cells, solar, hydrogen, bio fuels and electric hybrids are examples of emerging renewable energy sources. We must unleash the power of American ingenuity and productivity with a stimulus package that grows businesses and creates jobs.

Establish a capital investment program: This program will stimulate innovation by providing seed capital to businesses engaged in the research and development of alternative and advanced energy resources. Create more partnerships between the private sector and higher education: Promote collaboration for the research, development and commercialization of renewable energy products.

Develop our energy economy: Promote and support energy businesses and industries that will help to grow our economy and create jobs here in the 16th Congressional District.

Promote energy independence as a way to keep our nation safe and strong: Use the Department of Defense to promote advanced and alternative energy breakthroughs by awarding private sector contracts that will incorporate alternative energy resources for a new generation of defense systems. These technological breakthroughs for this endeavor will produce an abundance of commercial applications that will help to secure our energy independence.