Republicans Again Fail America on Energy Independence

Five years after Vice President Cheney issued an energy plan written by and for his friends in the energy industry and after five years of failed leadership by the Bush Administration on reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, the Bush Administration has again failed the American people. As a result, according to the latest Washington Post-ABC News poll, by “2 to 1 or better, the public preferred Democrats to handle gas prices.” The poll also showed that “a majority of the public, 56 percent” said they want “Democrats in control of Congress after the elections.” [Washington Post, 5/17/06]

"For five years, the oil men in the White House and Republicans in Congress have failed to lead on energy independence and instead allowed their friends in the energy industry to write our nation's energy policy and extend tax breaks to their companies while ordinary Americans are left to pay outrageous gas prices and home heating costs," said Democratic National Committee Press Secretary Stacie Paxton. "It's no wonder that the latest poll numbers show a complete collapse of confidence in Washington Republicans who have failed to put America on a path to energy independence, instead leaving Americans more dependent on big oil. The Bush Administration's failure to lead is costing the American people more than just dollars and cents. Democrats remain committed to a comprehensive policy that makes America less dependent on foreign oil, and ultimately energy independent by 2020."

Today, Senate Democrats unveiled their Clean Energy Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Initiative, which will help transform America’s energy policy, one of the most pressing national security, economic, and environmental challenges of our generation. The Clean EDGE initiative begins with an aggressive goal: to reduce U.S. petroleum consumption by 6 million barrels a day in 2020—or 40 percent of America’s projected imports. By clearing the pathways to innovation, investing in our workers and infrastructure, and providing American consumers with broader, more responsible choices, the Clean EDGE initiative will provide the tools to help move America forward, toward real energy security for the 21st century.

To read more about the Initiative, go to: www.democrats.senate.gov/energy.

The Democratic Staff of the House Committee on Government Reform also released a report entitled "The Bush Administration's Energy Policy: A Five Year Review." The report shows what has happened to energy prices and dependency on foreign oil since the release of the plan developed by Vice President Cheney's energy task force.

To read the report, click here.