Planning for the Future

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo
Energy is all around us: in the wind blowing, the sun shining and the rivers running. It is in rocks deep underground and in atoms divided in a reactor. The key is to find cost-effective ways to access and exploit these diverse energy sources while promoting energy conservation by individuals and industry. This isn't an easy goal nor does it yield immediate positive returns. But it is imperative that we start the process now. Already we are feeling the effects of an imbalance between energy supply and demand. Higher gasoline and natural gas prices impact our pocketbook in the short term. Eventually, the increased fuel costs will be reflected in increased costs of goods and services. Already those in the transportation and agriculture industries are feeling the negative effects of these trends. Even so, this is just one part of the energy picture. As we consider the challenges of energy supply and demand across the entire spectrum, we must be ready with innovative processes that spark solutions for the long term. These processes have a starting point in the energy bill. The energy bill conference report passed the House in November 2003. Unfortunately, partisan politics have prevented its subsequent passage by the Senate. This is a good piece of legislation which deserves to be enacted into law. By promoting increased domestic energy production, the bill not only puts us on the path to energy independence; it drives job creation, a stronger economy and scientific advances in many different fields from healthcare to space exploration. Finally, a comprehensive diversified energy portfolio will create a framework for long term energy price stability. The energy bill sets up incentives to increase the development of renewable energies; encourage the construction of more refineries; further encourage conservation; stimulate nuclear power and new technologies; and, otherwise diversify our energy portfolio and increase supply. Idaho stands to benefit significantly from the provisions in the bill. There are incentives for renewable energy development such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass, as well as incentives for increased efficiency of hydroelectric power plants, resulting in a more responsible use of this valuable and scarce resource. Our nuclear power production and development, which has been doing little more than idling over the past 25 years, will be given a jump-start with regulatory changes and incentives in the bill. All of these programs will help encourage entrepreneurs and corporations to take progressive and positive steps toward increased efficiency and production: creating jobs and preserving the environment. A win-win situation results, rather than the less effective changes resulting from punitive regulations which require costly compliance and expensive oversight. Energy conservation is part of the energy independence equation. The bill promotes energy efficiency in government buildings and consumer products. Reduced emission and alternative-fuel vehicle utilization by individuals and local and state governments for mass transit are addressed through incentives and grant programs. As we look to the future, we must be responsible energy consumers. Researching energy alternatives and promoting efficiency does little good if we take no steps toward conservation at the same time. It is my hope that the energy bill will come up for a vote and become the effective law it was intended to be. For all the reasons stated above, we need the provisions in the bill, for Idaho and for our nation.