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July 23rd, 2008 by Elizabeth DoleI am continuing my fight to bring immediate and long term relief to the rising price of gas. I have heard from so many North Carolinians that are being hurt every day by the increased burden this puts on your lives. I have put forward a real plan that provides immediate and long term relief and I will be fighting for its passage in the United States Senate.
Everyone agrees we need to fix this growing problem, but there is widespread disagreement on just how to accomplish it. I often hear, “Drill for more oil here at home,” “Become less dependent on foreign sources for oil” or “Find alternative sources for energy so we don’t have to rely on oil.”
All of those suggestions are accurate.
In the future, we may have sources of alternative energy that will power all our needs, burn cleanly and render gasoline obsolete. However, we are years, if not decades, away from a solution of this magnitude. The reality of today’s world is that we rely on oil in this country to drive to work, harvest crops, transport goods, fly planes, build roads and heat our homes. We must take serious and responsible actions that provide families and businesses with some near-term relief. That is why I have called on the president to immediately release one third of the supply from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which will immediately provide relief at the pump because of an increased supply of oil available for refinement and will punish the oil speculators who are betting against America. This will not jeopardize national security because the reserve would still contain a 60 day supply.
In addition, I have called on the president to create an Oil and Gas Market Fraud Task Force, which will ensure that energy markets are free from illegal manipulation and corporate corruption. This new Task Force can help restore the confidence of Americans in our oil and gas markets and prevent further harm to our economy.
While we focus on the short-term relief, we must also work towards long-term solutions. Given that the reasons for oil price fluctuation are more complicated than simply supply and demand, I believe our government must have an oil strategy. We need to increase supply by investing at home and increasing or starting environmentally-sound production in areas such as the Gulf of Mexico and ANWR. I also helped introduce the Gas Price Reduction Act, which would allow states, including North Carolina, the option to open areas, at least 50 miles offshore, to energy exploration as long as it is safe, clean and not visible from the land. States would be able to receive 37.5 percent of the revenues from oil and gas found off their coasts. This bill also would lift a moratorium on oil shale in the Rocky Mountain West, where experts estimate there is three times the oil that is in Saudi Arabia.
The liberals in Congress like to argue that if we begin drilling in ANWR it will take ten years to realize the increase in supply. If President Clinton hadn’t vetoed legislation in 1996 to open 2,000 of the 19.6 million acres in a remote area of Alaska for exploration, our current energy deficit would already be reduced by roughly one million barrels of oil per day. How long must we wait? The time for action is now.
In fact, since Democrats have taken back control of Congress, gas prices have risen by about $2 per gallon. Now, my opponent wants to point fingers, but she should look no further than her friends in Washington who have blocked responsible oil exploration since I was elected and long before.
However, simply having more oil is not the only long-term solution we need for this country’s economic stability. It is vital to also lessen demand through technology and conservation. I support further increasing fuel economy standards for all vehicles and providing point-of-sale rebates for hybrid and clean diesel vehicle purchases, which will save millions of barrels of oil per day. I have co-sponsored numerous bills to pursue those goals, including the Clean Energy Investment Act and Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act.
There are clear differences between myself and Mrs. Hagan on the energy issue. Like many politicians, Mrs. Hagan often “talks” about high gas prices but her energy plan does nothing to produce a single barrel of oil or bring the price of gas down a single cent. The one aspect of her plan that seeks to lower the federal gas tax by a few cents has been panned as a gimmick by even Barack Obama. And why is Mrs. Hagan talking about the federal gas tax when North Carolina’s state gas tax is one of the highest in the country?
I have a plan that immediately addresses high gas prices and increases energy independence over the long term. Mrs. Hagan’s offers nothing but political gimmicks and empty platitudes. Her plan will do nothing to alleviate pain at the pump; the only octane is in her political rhetoric. North Carolinians deserve better.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this important issue.
Elizabeth
Tags: Energy
July 24th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Senator Dole,
As one of your constituents and supporters, concerned both with national security and with real (not quick) fixes to this critical problem, I would urge you to reconsider your position on the strategic petroleum reserves. Given the volitility in many of our critical sources of supply it seems reckless and irresonsible to draw down on the reserves to ease our economic discomfort. Moreover, it offers no real solution to the problem. We must begin today to reduce our consumption, whether by conserving energy or shifting to alternate sources. Incidentally, I’m not averse to developing less volatile sources of petroleum in the interim through domestic drilling or alternate suppliers, so long as we are moving toward petroleum independence. However, such an ephemeral and artificial “quick-fix” policy which allows us to ignore that admittedly painful reality another second, while weakening our national security, seems politically expedient and is not serving the public interest. I urge you to reconsider your position.
Respectfully,
Shannon Nix
July 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Dear Senator Dole,
I agree that we need to use some of our domestic reserves that will last 10 generations which will allow Nuclear Reactors to be built and help solve the energy crises.
Keep up the good work.
Del Meyer
July 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I would rather like to see Senator Dole push Congress and the Senate to persue drilling in the ANWAR coastal plain than use our strategic reserves. There is absolutely no environmental problem with drilling there as well as opening off-shore drilling. If China can drill off our shores, we certainly ought to be doing it. While it will still take several years to get everything up and running, as much red tape as possible should be cut to let the work begin. 60 days oil supply would not be enough if the Islamic terrorists decide to cut off our Arab oil supplies.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:08 am
HOW MUCH oil is there in the Strategic Oil Reserves? One cannot make an educated comment, unless that is known, and I assume that is something that Sen. Dole knows. Just reading the comments so far, we can see that there are as many different suggestions as there are commenters. For those many who have to work 2-3 jobs, those low-pay workers, those unemployed looking for work and having to pay over $4.00 a gallon for gas, this is more than an “economic discomfort”! This is a choice between food and gas. Can you live on gas?
I think drilling off our coasts acceptable, but leave ANWR alone, as long as possible. They are long-term solutions.
But why is Congress not suspending the federal tax on gas, instead of actually suggesting increasing it!! There was a bill, H.R. 5995, put forth by Rep. Ryan of WI, earlier this year that would have suspended the federal tax, of 18.9 cents per gallon, from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, and put a moratorium on “earmarks”, Congress’ favorite game for getting re-elected. That money would have been dedicated to the Highway Trust Fund, so things like bridges (think Mpls. tragedy) could be repaired. But that was a too sensible solution.
Thanks, Senator Dole, for the most comprehensive solution that I have read so far, but please include suspending the federal gas tax in that plan
July 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Dear Senator Dole,
The use of the Strategic Oil Reserves provides little, if any, temporary relief and depletes the reserves during potentially very dangerous times; as Iran has threatened the closure of the Straits of Hormuz and could do so on any occasion and for any reason or cause. Using the reserves has, in fact, been a measure proposed by Nancy Pelosi-my 180-degree moral and ethical compass-so I say to you, as I would say to her, ‘NO, NO and NO!!!
You also state, “In addition, I have called on the president to create an Oil and Gas Market Fraud Task Force, which will ensure that energy markets are free from illegal manipulation and corporate corruption.” I would support this measure given one carvat; earlier this year our National Director of Intelligence, Michael McConnell, stated in his February 5, 2008 - ‘Annual Threat Assessment of the Director of National
Intelligence for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’ - “Concerns about the financial capabilities of Russia, China, and OPEC countries and the potential use of their market access to exert financial leverage to achieve political ends.” As it was Iranian President Ahmadinejad that first began the screeching, ‘Speculators!!!!’ followed shortly thereafter by our Democrats screeching ‘Speculators!!! - Pelosi again - I suggest looking first to investigating foreign intervention into the oil futures market than wasting valuable time and resources upon Western oil companies - although some speculation by Western individuals and companies would certainly be expected.
But if you really want to do something, ensure Congress does not recess until a bill is passed freeing-up and ensuring ’oil companies’ have the incentive to begin exploration and drilling immediately, period.
Best regards,
Earl
July 25th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Our present oil researve should only be used in a true National Emergecy and this oil cost has not come close to that. There is still a lot of oil that can still be used and is still the best shot for short term which I would define as fifteen to twenty years and will be needed long after that. Look around you at all those eveyday items that are made using hydracarbons as a feed stock. The list is practicaly endless. Congress has been the stumbling block and Congress is only effective in an emergecncy and then only after we get through the finger pointing stage so get on with it. Fish or cut bait. Regards
July 26th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Senator Dole, your energy plan is the most comprehensive, addressing short term and long term needs.
Democrats conveniently forget that oil could be flowing from ANWR had Pres. Clinton not vetoed that legislation in 1996. Thank you for including ANWR. The vast majority of Alaskans recognize drilling in the coastal plain can be accomplished in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Thank you, Alyce Hanley
July 27th, 2008 at 10:40 am
I agree with # 3. Drill Now. Even tho it may take 7 years,it will still take 7 years if we wait 10 years first.START NOW!!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Dear Senator Dole,
I appreciate your diligence in serving NC. You work hard and I feel like we North Carolinians receive excellent representation from you. I am a supporter and constituent. I would like to see us not tap into the special reserves at this time, but to get drilling now: offshore and ANWR.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
You go girl! I’m behind you 100%! Just the suggestion that we may lift the ban has helped to drop our gas prices over the last couple of weeks! I realize that’s not the ONLY reason, but definately one of them…so much for “no speculators”! Keep up the GREAT work!
August 6th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Dear Senator Dole,
Pulling from the oil reserve is folly. The price is already coming down. Let’s look at the long term by pushing alternative forms of energy, wind, solar, battery development, nuclear energy. Let’s push for the pipeline to bring natural gas from Canada.
The foolish American who has been driving bigger and bigger gas guzzlers needs to be forced to downsize his tastes and fears. We need to recognize that oil as we know it is a finite resource and now is the time develop alternate sources of energy. At present we are slaves of the foreign oil states.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I would prefer to have the Fuel Reserves used as a last resort. There are ways to bring more relief that might have a less immediate impact but would still get more energy resources in the long run. Other countries use nuclear power, coal, wind power, solar power and hydroelectric. We need to provide incentives to energy companies throughout the country to begin converting from oil to other sources. It might be expensive to make the conversions but the benefits in the long run to us all would be tremendous.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Dear Senator Dole,
I applaud your efforts to push a comprehensive “do everything” energy plan which is a PERFECT counter to the Democrats’ “do nothing” plan (unless you count keeping a tire gauge handy as a plan.) I believe tapping partially into the Strategic Reserve is an unfortunate but necessary step as the economic damage done by $4.00+ Gas is very severe and needs corrected quickly.
I encourage all constituents and readers to visit the site I’m noting below to get the FACTS about ANWR, and how, even if fully utilized, only 2,000 of the 19 MILLION Acres would be affected. That’s not the half of one percent we keep hearing, it’s barely a HUNDREDTH of a Percent. Further, it shows our existing supply in Alaska is decreasing so even if we do all this tire pressure nonsense, we CANNOT CONSERVE our way out of this crisis. I had just started to drive when the last Democrat-induced enegry crisis was in full swing (1977), and I have no wish to return to that nightmare. I was at first skeptical about each sides’ position, but after seeing the facts, I’m absolutely livid and outraged that Nancy pelosi and her cronies have crippled our economy and allowed needless Billions of dollars to leave our country all for nothing more than petty politics. Please keep up the good fight, the majority of North Carolinians are with you 110%.
http://www.anwr.org/ANWR-Basics/Top-ten-reasons-to-support-ANWR-development.php
God Bless,
Jay Michael
August 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Definatily do not use reserve. drill now at the most likley place to hit oil. Use necular and all other sources, wind etc. Why did nothing happen for the 6 years that our party had control? Instead of planning and geting results all I see is fires being put out.Congress needs to be more accountable for result, and not spent most of their time trying to get reelected.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
The experts and common sense indicates that not only will it take 10 years to bring extra reserves online, but that it will not significantly impact the price. Whatever the value of drilling, it is unlikely to reduce the price of oil in the international market.
What will impact the price is a reduction in demand. We have the technlogy for that today. What has been your position of higher fuel economy standards? What about mass transit and options such as light rail? We have some immediate solutions and some long term solutions. The 1970 and 80’s taught us much that we are having to relearn.
Finally I think this is not a Democrat induced crisis. I think this is a political dodge to the real problem as I know of nothing that the Democratically controlled congress has done to raise prices… Blaming the Democrats is convenient but, whatever your disagreements, is really untrue.
Ray.. registered Republican for 36 years.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Congratulations! You have given America a real plan for securing its economic future by assuring that our country can regain competitive energy costs. If Congress would pass such a plan the demonstrated fact that the world’s largest energy consumer was finally getting serious about the strategic importance of its own supply of energy would immediately and significantly drop the price of oil.
You won’t have to touch the strategic petroleum reserve.
Thank you.
David Lucht
Mooresville
August 6th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
The use of the strategic oil reserve for the purpose of temporary relief of fuel prices is a mistake. It was created as a buffer to draw on in the event our nation faced a crisis that interrupted the international oil markets. How would you feel if we had used the reserve only to be faced with an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in the weeks following? Pretty awful I would guess. Leave it alone.
As for the speculators and their effect on the price of oil, I have yet to see publsihed evidence that the market is being manipulated. It may be…I just haven’t seen it. So your effort to penalize them with an artificial injection of an oil surplus into the market, albeit a short and temporary one, is puzzling. If it turns out to be the case that people or organizations are violating commodities trading laws, there are other ways to deal with them.
Other than these points, I totally agree with your plan. As for ANWR, the resistence to drilling there is ridiculous. We have proven we can protect the environment up there and we are only talking about 0.01% of the reserve acreage. That’s like an area 2 feet square on a football field.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Senator Dole,
Your energy policy while commendable in its intent, does little to help America long term, and wastes the strategic reserves when other actions actually have more impact on PetroDollar Governments in terms of affecting long term Oil Prices. Unfortunately, I can’t say that you’re any less effective or have a weaker plan than many in the Senate. However if you’re serious I’d suggest you develop a real Energy Plan, otherwise the Economy will continue to Migrate towards debtor status and third world strength.
You need to have a Clear plan for Nuclear Energy with a build out plan, and you need to initiate an immediate bill to have the NRC set up new “approval criteria” that reduces “planning time” from 42 months to substantially less. Second, you need to understand and act on the fact that a Nuclear Plant (new NRC approved FBR designs) are safe and can be built in 3-5 years instead of 10 to 15 years. Actually less time than it takes to bring in a new Oil field. And, it’s the only Green solution other than Solar, Wind, Water, and Geothermal, and it’s the only one with the capacity to supply required Power going forward. The senate needs to get their head out of the sand on this, and I believe you can help them. We should fund build out, and use it to create jobs, jobs, jobs, which is far better than handouts in terms of fueling the economy..
You need to pass additional legislation supporting build out of Solar and Wind as Adjuncts to the Nuclear Plan (not the opposite way around). It’s true the Wind doesn’t blow all the time, nor does the sun shine all the time, but it’s clear they can be a source of 20-30% of our Electrical Generation Needs.
Then, if and only if you do the two steps above, you need to pass legislation that favors moving commercial transportation to Natural Gas as an interim solution. Don’t do this if you don’t do the first two above, or you’ll make Natural Gas as expensive as a bbl of Oil at $150 a barrel. However, if you have an intelligent plan for Nuclear, then Wind, then Solar, this becomes a good plan. All should be passed at one time.
Now on to pig farming and corn. Immediately kill the subsidies for Corn Ethanol. In spite of the political rhetoric it is the number one reason (ahead of raw energy costs) that food has inflated in price. But, don’t get me wrong. Seldom do Economists or Congress people recognize the impact to the bottom 3/5’s of the population. It’s sort of like the new way of counting Unemployment. We now don’t count all the “contractors” and “temp workers” so it looks like unemployment is only a slightly bad 5.7%. That is absolutely poppycock. The actual unemployment rate is 9.4%, right now, properly counting these people out of work and having their hours shut down. So–drop the “ethanol subsidy”. It consumes more energy than it produces, it raises the price of food, and it actually is little more than an extremely short term solution that’s biggest value is “pissing off 3/5’s of the population”.
Last, stop Pandering to the public, and “pimping” the words of self serving “Congressional Consultants”. Stop all Perks, stop all earmarks, and give the President a line item veto so he/she/it can drop the stupid stuff that only lines some congressmans pockets with votes.
Regards, and Best wishes. I am hopeful you’ll develop a “real”, “complete”, “integrated”, Energy Plan that actually “helps” give America Energy Indepence, instead of providing stop gap and open mouth and empty promise support to a very real situation deserving true leadership.
Bill Buchanan
August 6th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Honorable Senator,
Its time for republicans to do something! If you cant do npthing else get some baby rattlers and make more noise. At least you have a plan on energy. But our party seems to get complacent once in office. Tell the world what you are doing.
Thank you
William C Hall
Republican
August 7th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Dear Senator Dole,
If we start offshore drilling, including NC, are we guaranteed that the oil will be used exclusively for the people of the United States and not sold to the highest bidder? Just wondered how it will help us directly if sold elsewhere with no restrictions. You may have addressed this already, so my apologies if it’s a repeat question. Thanks for doing such a great job representing NC.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I find your plan lacking in considering other energy alternatives for the long range. I see no support of nuclear energy and no concrete discussion of wind and solar power research and development.
I do not agree that we should rrelease reserves from the strategic oil reserve. This is only a temporary fix and will have only a temporary impact on prices. We have to purchase oil to replace the amount the reserves are reduced so what is really accomplished?
I do agree that we should open areas now off limits to drilling but this is only one step to help resolving the issue. O0pening these areas to exploration will also help to protect us against other issues such aa a disruption of oil supplies due to political issues in some of the counties we curretnly depend on for our supply of oil.
It is time the House and the Senate do some real work on coming up with a plan that conisders and utilizes all aspects of energy production. This would include solar, wind, natural gas and cleaner burning coal.
Get rid of all the “pork” that is handed out and concentrate on real issues and spend my tax money on things that are really important and meaningful.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I think there are two keys in an energy policy related to electricity, Nuclear and Wind power. We need to get the utilities to begin plans to build many more nuclear reactors, clean coal is a pipe dream. North Carolina also has a huge wind resource along the coast. It is pretty undeniable now the benefits of wind power to the local economies, I can only wonder why there arent dozens of wind turbines when I go to the outer banks.
As it relates to transportation, ethanol and biodiesel have no chance at significantly offseting petrol useage. We need to look to other alternatives. I for one have NatGas piped up to my house, if it werent for a Civic GX costing +$25k I would be filling up a new car at home for less than half the price of gasoline. Also I wish the new EPA regluations on diesel wouldnt have killed my chances at getting an 80 mpg VW Golf TDI. Oh well I guess the only other option is to drill. At least it will bring more money into our economy and send less money to the middle east. It is a better option than coal to liquids which will only serve to increase my electricity costs while doing little to lower gas proces.
August 8th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Dear Senator Dole Keep up the good work. And Republicans one and ALL best get United. Remember some time ago it was said. UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL. Can we really afford that. I might suggest that if you are not up to the task. Step the HELL aside and let someone in who can do the JOB. HAVE A GREAT DAY..
August 9th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I don’t want any of the strategic oil reserves used. They are for emergencies, when they are needed suddenly for our defense.
I also support nuclear energy, coal-fired plants, and solar and wind. Let’s do EVERYTHING we can NOW to free ourselves and be self-sufficient in energy and in petroleum. Petroleum is used for much more than energy.
Thank you.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
On May 13, Mrs. Dole was one of six Republican Senators to vote against drilling for oil in ANWR. I am very, very pleased to see that she changed her mind on that topic. I would be further pleased to see her drop the idea of tapping our Strategic Petroleum Reserve for non-emergencies.
August 16th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Elizabeth Dole, I am looking for a senator with leadership. A senator who may stand before us and say:
Look at your child and your spouse. Know we will have $10 a gallon gas before 2018. Now, bet your future household on your action or the government.
We, the people, offer the only energy solutions in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The dollar vote we cast in June and July turned the markets in August. No politician did that. Our politicians can only promises of technology ten years away. Our best politicians will lead us to help ourselves this fall and in 2009. The rescuing technology arrives in 2018.
It is a mistake, releasing reserves set aside for emergencies. It will have only a temporary effect. While necessary, ANWR and off shore drilling will not lower the price before 2018.
For the next ten years, the voter, father, mother and business person carries the future in their wise purchases and choices.
Senator Elizabeth Dole, what do you say?
August 21st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
[…] between Dole and Hagan on the energy issue. Senator Dole is proposing a comprehensive energy plan that will provide short term relief to the American people by increasing domestic oil supply and […]
September 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
We need members of congress to repeal the Enron Loophole that was passed right before the prices started going thru the roof. It allowed for all the oil speculation that led to the increase in gas prices. You have to understand the problem before you can offer a solution. Eliminate the Enron Loophole and that will be an excellent start in seeing gas prices fall back to normal.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:23 am
[…] a recent blog post laying out some ideas. She also includes some bullet points on energy in her economic security […]
October 1st, 2008 at 10:57 pm
OK, lets talk about alternative energy and being hoodwinked.
Does Senator Dole realize that NCCAR, which she has earmarked $1 million to, is a criminal organization?
Here’s a story worth repeating. Not many of us know the truth up here in Northampton County, but it’s time those of us who know the truth speak out, and warn Sen. Dole.
The Advanced Vehicle Research Center was created by a very good man, Dick Dell, a Republican, in 2001, and he carried the vision through more than three years of working with the General Assembly, only to have a corrupt State Representative, Michael Wray (D), and another corrupt economic developer, Gary Brown, force him out of the project and take control of the state funding. Wray and Brown started a whole new project using the vision (and hard work and research) of Mr. Dell.
Wray, Brown and his lackeys even went in to the secretary of state and changed the name on the funding bill from the company name AVRC, to their newly created organization NCCAR! They did this retroactively and illegally, but no one in this Democrat controlled state will investigate them.
And why did they do this? I have been told, and believe it to be so, that because Dick Dell refused to donate money to Michael Wray, even under extreme pressure, that Michael Wray went on to say to one of his henchmen that “Dick Dell won’t have any part of this project. I brought the money in from the legislature, and it’s MY project.”
Mr. Dell was forced out. I have heard that Virginia has given him a place to develop his vision. We in NC, and especially in Northampton County, lost out big time here.
NCCAR is a corrupt Democrat organization and Senator Dole has been deceived into supporting this criminal organization. It’s been years since they got that money, and I have heard that they’re announcing another ground breaking, for the fifth or sixth time, we’ve lost count!
I understand that a pledge to NCCAR of a million dollars was made for a chassis dynamics lab to support alternative fuel research. I am no automotive technology expert, but my friend tells me that a chassis dynamics lab doesn’t have a durned thing to do with fuel economy or alternative fuels. I have since done some checking up on this, and he was right. It doesn’t!
Elizabeth Dole has been completely hoodwinked by NCCAR, Michael Wray, Gary Brown and others.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Senator Dole,
I was recently at the Republican Rally in Greenville, NC and I heard some things from speakers that concerned me. I am a registered Democrat but I promise I’m not all bad.
My main concern was the drilling position that Mayor Pat McCrory and his fellow republicans have taken. I do believe we need some short term fix to gives us a breathe of relief while long term solutions are being created, but I feel drilling, at least for North Carolina, could be more detrimental than productive. I know that you are well aware of our tourism industry that is one of our biggest sources of income. My fear is that one mishap on a NC oil rig would destroy not just one industry but take our tourism industry of the coast. We already are seeing decreases to our beloved Outer Banks and coastline. Would it not be irresponsible to add something that could potentially destroy that beauty?
I am aware of precautions, but I keep thinking of the Exxon/Mobil tanker incident on the west coast. They too had precautions. There are so many other alternatives available that may take a little longer but could do more harm than good like the risks offshore drilling offers us. For instance, I am a former Navy man and we use nuclear power all the time. I believe it to be safer and better controlled than offshore drilling. We have, and this may be far fetched, so many rivers that a manmade waterfall and hydroelectric dam could be an alternative. I am sure there are even better alternatives than the ones I have mentioned that could be used in place of drilling.
I commend you on your service and hope to see you stay in office, but I urge you to reconsider and help your fellow republicans reconsider offshore drilling at least off the coast of our beloved North Carolina.
Respectfully,
Brandon Hill
October 8th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I am somewhat embarrassed, but I want to make a correction to my letter above. The other alternatives I felt would do more good than harm. Sorry for that confusion, but please do not let this slip up diminish my message.