| Here are the facts. None of Hall's proposals represent real change. He is one of a small minority of Republicans pushing a bill they call "No More Excuses Energy Act" (HR 3089). The bill gives away federal land to oil companies and provides tax free bonds to build new refineries. It would also allow the construction of nuclear power plants without waste disposal plans. The Republican bill eliminates all coastal drilling restrictions in the United States and opens up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWAR). Two sentences of the thirty-eight page bill extend existing wind energy tax credits for ten years.
Hall's bill is just another give-away to giant energy companies. It would guarantee America's addiction to oil for the next fifty years. Why do taxpayers have to subsidize new oil refineries at a time of record oil profits? This is insane!
Drilling in ANWAR is a key example of how Hall misleads Texas families. Energy Department projections, which are available online, clearly show that opening ANWAR to drilling will not change the upward trend in net imports of oil. In fact in 2030 the United States would still be importing over 16 million barrels of foreign oil per day. Today the US imports a net 13 million barrels per day.
One of the most absurd aspects of this bill is the part covering nuclear power plants. Hall and these radical Republicans want to eliminate waste disposal plans. They want to allow more nuclear plants without any consideration of the dangers of nuclear waste. We are constantly told terrorists can use spent fuel as a dirty bomb. Now Hall wants to put American security in the hands of private corporations. I say no!!
We have to fight Ralph Hall. We have to offer our family, friends and neighbors a new direction.
The real solution to our energy problems is creating a competitive energy market. We should redirect tax dollars from the oil giants to American universities and research facilities to develop new energy sources. We should also provide tax incentives for consumers, making conservation technologies more affordable.
We have to start looking to the future. We can't afford to waste another fifty years. Clean, affordable energy is the key to a brighter future. If we start investing in America now, then Texas families can look forward to lower energy bills and a stronger economy.
If you see these biased stories on your TV or in your hometown newspaper, challenge them quickly. Call the newsrooms. Write the editors. Defeat the propaganda before it spreads.
Help me fight back. Your contribution will help fight for a better America. Please donate today: http://www.melanconforuscongre...
Glenn Melancon of Sherman is the Democratic candidate in Texas' 4th Congressional District. The district includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Collin, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Morris, Rains, Red River, Rockwall and Titus counties.
|
