Obama Energy plan

[LuckyTheDog]

While McCain says "wait for the offshore oil in 2030," Obama suggests taking action NOW:

Obama's comprehensive New Energy for America plan will:

--Provide short-term relief to American families facing pain at the pump

--Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.

--Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.

--Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars -- cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon -- on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.

--Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.

--Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/factsheet_energy_speech_080308.pdf

[polichick]

1. Now comes the education of the American people - ads, ads, ads...

And imo Obama should do an energy summit with all the best minds ~ a press event!

[sui generis]

2. just one thing about the newsbite circulating

Note to Obama:

Your base has some faith in a new energy initiative, but attorney trained-speaker Obama, never EVER finish a proposal using a rising inflection. Evah!!!!

Seriously, yes inflating our tires is a good idea and part of a savings plan but there are more important components too.

1. Carpool. Actually, that's one, two and three.
2. Install programmable thermostats if you are a homeowner
3. Try using just a little less AC in summer and a little less heat in winter.
4. unplug unused appliances
5. recycle and use less plastic and fewer oil-derived products wherever possible
6. don't run your dishwasher every day
7. if you can, try air drying some of your clothes or use a lower heat setting in the dryer

Energy independence will not happen until we are off fossil fuels. Obama to get off fossil fuels we have to substitute what we use for fuels. Seriously, and mark my words, algae reactors will get us there more than any other possible technology; yielding a substitute biofuel that is carbon-neutral without requiring that we re-program our delivery and infrastructure systems, and allowing new technology to take advantage of more efficient biodiesels.

Here's a question for both McCain and Obama:

After you are done drilling offshore, WHAT NEXT?

After you start and finish drilling in ANWR, WHAT NEXT?

The candidate that wins this debate is the one who can realistically answer WHAT NEXT.

[Evergreen Emerald]

3. uh oh. I hope DU is not too upset about the short term part of the plan

I remember a couple of months ago, when it was suggested it as part of a comprehensive package, DU went ballistic.

I still think it is a good idea. It sends a message to the profiteers, even if it is not much money for an individual. (And again, for SOME individuals, it can help.) I am glad Obama changed his mind.