| For Immediate Release | Contact: Sean Rushton or Philippa Jeffery |
| November 14, 2001 | (202) 467-5300 |
Washington, D.C. – Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) , America’s largest taxpayer watchdog group, today released its latest Through the Looking Glass Report, “Energy: The New Security Crisis,” citing the war on terrorism as a major factor in increasing the urgency to change U.S. energy policy. The report also recounts recent oil price spikes and supply shortages and outlining policy solutions to prevent future problems.
Since September 11, adopting a comprehensive energy plan that addresses both supply and demand takes on a critical importance. The unstable Middle East and the rolling blackouts of California’s past two summers make it clear that America must have abundant, affordable, and reliable sources of energy. CAGW argues that the president and Congress must pass an energy plan that lessens the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and implements reasonable environmental safeguards that don’t bust the federal budget.
Several policy ingredients for success include:
First, energy independence requires dependable, affordable, and environmentally sound resources. Second, funding for programs that will not provide near-term results should be set aside. Third, taxes and regulations that impede the development and distribution of energy must be modified or eliminated. Finally, Congress must recognize that the war against terrorism includes the battle to wean America from its dependence on foreign nations that, but for their oil reserves, would not be allies in this effort. President Bush’s challenge to the world that you are either with us or with the terrorists could also apply to recalcitrant legislators and special interests that cling to the same tired old arguments against sound energy policy even after September 11.
Before any headway can be made with an energy plan, several myths about the current energy crisis and future solutions need to be addressed. Real problems with the quality of the air and water were brought to light in the early 1970s. Thirty years later, they have largely been remedied and, today, the environment is vastly improved and getting cleaner. Although environmental concerns are taken into consideration when determining public policy, some groups continue to bellyache and delay or prevent real reform.
From safe drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to smart electricity deregulation, there are solutions that can resolve the energy crisis. All that is needed is the will of the president and Congress to pass a plan that ensures safe and affordable forms of energy, thus enhancing national security and economic growth.
The report will be available this week at: https://www.cagw.org or by calling CAGW at the above number.
Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation’s largest taxpayer advocacy group with over one million members and supporters nationwide. It is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, mismanagement and abuse in government.