June 1st, 2009 
In addition to it being a time when we honor our Veterans, Memorial Day usually marks the beginning of the summer driving season.
Just as the temperatures begin to rise, so do the gas prices. According to AAA, gas prices are up 26 cents from a month ago. That’s a big jump.
While it’s not as high as this time last year – about $3.70 a gallon – the current $2.22 average is still a heavy burden for working families in this bad economy.
With the increase in gas prices and our country’s rising dependence on foreign oil, now is the time for Congress to work for U.S. energy independence.
Just the same, it’s definitely not the time to look at raising energy costs on already hurting Americans.
This week, I, along with the entire Alabama Delegation, signed a letter outlining our concerns about the proposed Cap and Trade bill, which we believe could hurt our state, our economy, and most importantly our jobs.
As currently written, this bill could raise our utility bills right when gas prices are also rising.
Like it or not, the South still relies on coal for much of its energy. Coal, of course, is high in carbon emissions, and under a cap and trade system would be “taxed” heavily. Those costs likely would be passed on to Alabama consumers and our vital manufacturing sector.
That’s why this legislation could be harmful to East Alabama families. It’s also why I will continue to oppose it unless the bill improves for Alabama.
As gas prices rise, I also plan to keep my focus on renewable and alternative energy initiatives Congress should support.
To help move the debate, this summer I plan on reintroducing the FREE (Furthering Renewable Energy and Exploration) Act. The bill does two things.
First, it would lift the ban on environmentally safe energy exploration in Alaska’s National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR) to help increase our energy supplies here at home.
Second, the bill would direct all federal royalties and taxes collected from the ANWR drilling sites into a new Energy Independence Trust Fund. Those grants could be brought back home for renewable fuel development initiatives at institutions like Auburn and Tuskegee.
These grants would also support research into solar, wind, bio-mass, hydrogen or any other renewable fuel source. The best part: we’re talking about creating new jobs and new markets for many of our agricultural resources in Alabama.
This week, I held a live Tele-town Hall meeting to folks back home which included a survey: “Do you believe the Federal Government is doing enough to develop alternative energy sources?” 85 percent of you said no. I agree. Congress must continue to work towards energy independence which should not include an energy tax on already hurting Americans.
