Elesha Barnette
+ FollowObama Meets America In the Middle on Energy Policy
Regardless of the story being spun by GOP 2012 hopefuls, the administration is doing something right with regard to job creation. The number of people seeking unemployment benefits plummeted last week to 352,000, the fewest since April 2008. Many believe the decline is indicative of a strengthening job market.
December alone saw the addition of 200,000 jobs, and while some attribute that to holiday hires, the decrease in unemployment benefit seekers discounts the theory. December marked the sixth consecutive month in which at least 100,000 jobs were added. In total 1.6million jobs were added in 2011 and unemployment sits at 8.5% – a three year low.
On the heels of this economic upturn, the President and his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness have just released their year-end report that details a “Road Map to Renewal.”
A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the concept of building on our existing strengths to continue job growth – one of those strengths being energy.
The energy policy laid out in this document shows the President staking his turf. President Obama hasn’t forsaken green jobs, but is focused on another type of green: greenbacks.
That being said, hardcore environmentalists may be disheartened to find the plan is not all wind turbines and solar panels. Realists, though, are sure to be relieved that the President is in favor of a common sense “all-in approach” to American energy policy.
The “all-in approach” supports the country’s need for “innovative, affordable and reliable energy solutions for the 21st century – a set of investments that will meet our energy needs today while creating job opportunities and economic prosperity for our future.”
With a stated goal of optimizing use of all of our natural resources the report goes on to clarify the intent of the administration to not shy away from one of our most reliable, though often criticized sources of energy: fossil fuels.
“The United States is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. We have a sufficient supply of traditional fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas to provide us with energy for generations to come.”
They even call for “more access to oil, natural gas and coal opportunities on federal lands.”
The President and his council believe the all-in approach is necessary if we hope to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and create a more diverse electricity generation portfolio.
This new take on energy policy is absolutely necessary when one considers the instability of the Middle East and the fact that the U.S. still imports 300 million barrels per month at a cost of $1 billion per day.
“Our dependence on oil not only leaves the United States vulnerable to global supply shocks and price fluctuations,” the report states, “but also hampers the economy as we send billions of dollars overseas that might otherwise lift homegrown businesses and domestic growth.”
It continues, “planning for future levels of energy demand, transitioning to a low-carbon energy future, and successfully diversifying the electric generation portfolio requires smart energy policies today.”
Diversifying the electricity generation portfolio also includes nuclear. Sure to spawn protests amongst tree-hugger types, the inclusion of nuclear in discussions about solar and wind generation as a renewable energy source is a top-line priority for this Administration.
Newsflash: it is renewable. Nuclear energy is not grown on trees nor is it waiting to be unearthed.
While the President and his council calls for the continued development of wind, solar and other renewable forms of energy theirs is a realistic approach with regard to what is getting the job done now – fossil fuels and nuclear.
Currently, nuclear is the one form of renewable energy able to provide the amount of output needed to keep our country powered. Wind is limited to windy areas and solar is limited to sunny areas. Nuclear is limited by red tape.
The report goes on to assure that, while optimizing our use of currently available fuel sources is necessary, it must be done while protecting public health and the environment. Headed into a contentious election year, President Obama has chosen to meet America in the middle with regard to energy policy:
“The U.S. utility industry is undergoing a transition as it focuses on reducing emissions while still providing affordable and reliable electricity…Over the long term, we expect that innovation and technological advancements will greatly reduce America’s reliance on fossil fuels. Until then, however, we need to be all in.”
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