Energy Independence!

[irishbobcat]

Energy Independence

·   Transitioning to a clean energy economy, declaring our energy independence, will transform America.
·   A new clean energy economy will free us from the economic and national security threats brought on by our dependence on foreign oil.
·   Reducing our reliance on foreign oil and investing in abundant and free sources of clean energy like the sun and the wind will shield American businesses and consumers from volatile energy prices.
·   We are sending hundreds of billions of dollars overseas every year to pay for oil – $1.2 billion every day; $50 million every hour; $837,000 every minute; $14,000 every second.
·   Along with billions of dollars sent overseas each year, millions of jobs have followed; but investing in a clean energy economy will create millions of jobs made in America.
·   A clean energy economy will create homegrown jobs for our most struggling industries, such as manufacturing – and these are jobs that can't be outsourced.
·   By spending our energy dollars here at home, we can expand our clean energy production capabilities and increase our use of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
·   Energy independence equals economic independence – releasing the grip of other nations like China on our economy.
·   Comprehensive clean energy and climate policies will reverse that trend – spend more money here at home on clean energy sources; spend more money on creating new jobs and building new industries; and saving our working families money.
·   Average household energy spending rose approximately $1,000 between 2001 and 2007 – our working families need relief from rising energy costs, and a transition to a clean energy economy could provide that relief.
·   President Obama, in a recent press conference, said, "The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century's global economy."
·   Threats to our national security stretch beyond our dependence on oil – our fragile electricity grid puts our military operations and bases at risk.
·   According to a report issued by a panel of top-ranking retired admirals and generals, the first priority for the new administration should be fully integrating our energy security and climate change goals into national security and military planning.
·   Our dependence on oil leaves us vulnerable to unstable or hostile regimes while simultaneously burdening our military and reducing our combat effectiveness.
·   Intervening in such perilous regions will be difficult to avoid unless or until we find new ways to power our nation and economy.   
·   Increasing the use of energy saving technologies could save households approximately $750 by 2020 and $3,900 by 2030, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Environment.
·   Changes in food production, losses of water supplies and massive human migrations could result from unchecked climate change and lead to intense competition for life's essential resources.   
·   By helping to solve the climate crisis, we will prevent climate impacts that, security experts warn, could further destabilize politically vulnerable regions around the world.

·   It's time we declared our energy independence, transitioned to a clean energy economy and repowered America.
·   Reducing our reliance on foreign oil will keep our energy dollars here in the U.S., where we can invest in American business and jobs that are helping our country transition to a clean energy economy.