In a 2008 debate, President Obama refuted John McCain's call for more offshore drilling (drill, baby, drill) as a solution to our energy problems. "We can't
simply drill our way out of the problem," Obama said. "And we're not going to be able
to deal with the climate crisis if our only solution is to use more
fossil fuels that create global warming." (see video clip, below)
Yet this week, President Obama announced that he plans to open vast coastal areas to offshore oil drilling. This was a great disappointment to me and to millions of concerned Americans. Drilling won't create nearly as many jobs as clean energy, it won't make us energy independent, it won't help solve the climate crisis, and it won't help the economy.
A major commitment to clean energy will be the engine that revitalizes the American economy. Congress needs to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation that puts a price on carbon and provides incentives for renewable energy sources. This will launch whole new industries, create millions of jobs, and cut our dependence on (and support of) countries that wish us ill.
The president knows this. But perhaps he needs to be reminded that we know it, too.Please make your voice heard. At the Repower America web site you can add your name to a petition that says,
Dear President Obama:
“It’s time to end the dirty energy policies of the past, wean ourselves off of fossil fuels and pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. It’s time for you to show real leadership, stand up to big oil, and stand with the American people in saying: CLEAN ENERGY, NOT OFFSHORE DRILLING!”
It will take you about 30 seconds. Please do it today.
