Get Off the Grid vs. Great Mantra

AMERICAN PUBLIC IS READY FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Jennifer Dougherty believes in the need for America’s energy independence and supports the need to invest in renewable energy sources, reduce our reliance on foreign oil and create the next generation of the “green economy.”

Dougherty knows that the first step is to focus on efficiency and conservation while building a sound national energy policy that creates a 10-year plan to energy independence. Americans brought the price of a barrel down more than $20 just by showing oil companies that “we get it.”

A good energy plan will jump-start our economic growth and create good jobs and opportunities, plus be good for the environment. “People in both political parties have to give a little – Democrats should be open to nuclear energy and Republicans have to understand that drilling is not the only answer. More important, they have to realize that the American public is ready for energy solutions!”

Environmentally-responsible drilling on the 68 million acres of land already under lease or off U.S. shores can be part of America’s energy plan, but Dougherty is concerned about relying on that supply because “there is no guarantee that oil and gas from those fields will come to American consumers.” Oil and gas get sold on the open market, China and others will compete for that oil and prices will continue to rise. “I hate to think about what Exxon Mobil’s profits will be in 7-10 years, especially if we rely on an old way of thinking.”

“Even my opponent, Roscoe Bartlett knows drilling is a short-term solution and has spent years opposing drilling. He said, ‘This drill here, drill more, pay less, is a great mantra, and it’s hurting the Democrats. But you need to finish that: And screw your kids and your grandkids, because that’s what we’re doing’.” (Politico, July 23, 2008)

He has flipped his position and his votes, so you really don’t know what he will do if he gets elected for a 9th term. Bartlett, a 16-year Washington veteran, voted to give $20+ billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies, opposed increasing fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, and even opposed the creation of a bio-fuels refinery in Washington County.

“His votes are not helping us. His policies have hurt our wallets. Voters are starting to understand that Bartlett is not delivering results – even opposing job creation in our district,” said Dougherty. When Bartlett came into office a barrel of oil cost $16.75, it’s over $120.00 now. Whatever he’s done, it’s not working and it’s time to make a change in Congress.

Dougherty supports the creation of a bio-fuels refinery in Western Maryland that will use the best technology, create a new customer for farm by-products, create jobs and give drivers an All-American alternative fuel that is good for the environment and gets us off foreign oil.

Dougherty also will propose a pilot program that will allow local governments to use federal block grants to “Get Off the Grid”. This initiative will help local communities invest in solar, wind or hydro-power fuel providers in order to get off coal-fired power plants. This allows all homeowners and businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to reduce their energy costs, sell back to the grid and improve the environment. The alternative energy sources will be suited for each community without the need to retro-fit each property and will help bring down costs for future investment.

“People want to help deliver solutions, local governments are a great way to make it happen. Federal programs are so unwieldy and confusing, it scares people away. By creating a partnership with local governments and business, we can make it happen here and that’s a step in the right direction.”

Dougherty concludes, “My plan demonstrates my belief in entrepreneurial spirit and a more responsive government. My opponent is pushing ‘great mantra’. I can’t put ‘mantra’ in the gas tank, so it’s time to have the public put each plan to the test. I have agreed to appear at forums and events sponsored throughout the District. I hope my opponent is willing to appear in each of the 8 counties that make up the 6th District.”