Energy Independence
We will create a cleaner, greener and stronger America by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, eliminating billions in subsidies for oil and gas companies and use the savings to provide consumer relief and develop energy alternatives, and investing in energy independent technology.
Energy independence puts America in the driver's seat to pursue affordable and efficient energy solutions that will benefit all Americans, improve America's security, reduce the burden on American families, and help clean our environment.
American families should not have to pay the price for a failed national energy policy. They deserve an energy policy that creates a cleaner and stronger America that reduces our dependence on foreign oil and also creates new jobs for American workers. By clearing the pathways to innovation, investing in our workers and infrastructure, and providing American consumers with broader, more responsible choices, the Democratic plan will provide the tools to help move America forward, toward real energy security for the 21st century.
AUDIO OF CONFERENCE CALL
On a conference call today, Nevada State Sen. Steven Horsford, Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid, and Scott Sklar, Chair of the Steering Committee of the Sustainable Energy Coalition, discussed the difference between the candidates' energy plans, and what each would mean for Nevada.McCain Myth Buster: John McCain and Energy
Today's McCain Myth: John McCain has a responsible energy plan that will create jobs and decrease waste.John McCain's Energy Plan: Fewer Jobs, More Waste for Nevada
In the same week John McCain admitted that his new plan to end the moratorium on offshore oil drilling would have nothing more than a "psychological impact" on energy prices, McCain is bringing his out of touch campaign agenda to Nevada. While recent polls show that three quarters of Nevadans oppose construction of a nuclear repository at Yucca Mountain, Senator McCain has repeatedly voted to approve it and now proposes the construction of at least 45 new nuclear power plants. Presumably, Senator McCain's energy plan would require shipping the waste from those new plants to Nevada.McCain Myth Buster: John McCain and Oil Drilling
Today's McCain Myth: John McCain and Gov. Schwarzenegger agree on oil drilling.California Drilling, er, Dreaming
McCain proves he would be no friend to the environmentJohn McCain and President Bush's Off-Shore Drilling Plan Off The Mark Another No Good, Very Bad Week For McCain
This week John McCain reversed himself again, announcing that he now supports lifting the moratorium on off-shore drilling despite previously opposing such a plan to reverse decades of U.S. policy. McCain and President Bush stood behind the plan even though it does nothing to address current gas prices, it would take years to see a drop of oil from these leases, and oil industry execs already have thousands of untapped leases at their disposal. The oil industry, which stands to benefit most, praised McCain's reversal but industry experts agree that this move, just like his gas tax holiday, is nothing more than a Washington gimmick that would do little to solve our real energy crisis.Flip-Flop: McCain "More Than Happy" To Consider ANWR Drilling
He's already flip-flopped on coastal drilling in Florida and other states, from just a few weeks ago, just like President Bush. But he's not done flip-flopping yet, as a townhall yesterday proved. Asked about it, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), McCain said that he would be "more than happy to examine it again."GOP Senator: Cuba-China Oil Drilling Pact "Akin to Urban Legend"
Republican leaders are known for trafficking in myths and alternate realities: "Climate change is a hoax. Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden were classmates and best friends in the 3rd grade. John McCain would make a good president." The usual...John McCain Adds Two More Flip-Flops to the Collection
In addition to the flip-flop on the offshore drilling moratorium, John McCain added two other flip-flops on energy and the environment. McCain made a major shift in his global warming agenda on cap and trade and redefining the word "mandatory."...AD WATCH: McCain's "Global" Ad Universally Misleading
On the same day John McCain is traveling to Houston to cave in to his friends in Big Oil, Senator McCain's campaign released a new ad intended to promote him as a champion of renewable energy. McCain is expected to call for more offshore drilling today--despite supporting a moratorium on drilling during his last presidential campaign. McCain will reverse himself on the need for a windfall profit tax for oil companies. While McCain said he was open to a tax on excessive oil company profits just six weeks ago, tonight he will tell industry executives he opposes one. Yet, despite his pattern of repeatedly voting against promoting green jobs and renewable energy technologies, McCain's new ad claims he will break our dependence on foreign oil by promoting renewable energy.McCain Myth Buster: John McCain and Off-Shore Drilling
Today's McCain Myth: John McCain is against off-shore drilling.McCain Renewable Energy Record: Endlessly Bad
While John McCain likes to talk tough about energy independence and renewable energy, John McCain today will cave in to his friends in the oil and gas industry. Despite supporting a moratorium on off-shore drilling during his last presidential campaign and opposing offshore drilling in places like Florida, North Carolina and Oregon, Senator McCain will call for the elimination of the moratorium during his remarks in Houston today. McCain will talk about promoting renewable energy, despite a clear record of repeatedly voting against the renewable energy incentives he now claims to support. McCain will criticize "reckless speculators" who are driving up gas prices by "gaming the system," even though that speculation was allowed to take place because the "Enron loophole" his top economic advisor and campaign co-chair Phil Gramm forced through left energy trading markets virtually unregulated.Jeff Alberici, a New York Teacher, Delivers the Democratic Radio Address
Jeff Alberici, an eight-grade teacher in New York, husband and father of three, delivers this week's Democratic Radio Address. Alberici discusses Democratic plans to tackle high energy and gas prices and the Republican efforts to block them without any solutions of their own.Bush Announcing Opposition to Mandatory Cuts of Emissions
Today Bush is planning to announce a "realistic intermediate goal" for limiting emissions from greenhouse gases in the United States. According to the White House, they will "press for incentives for technology."Right Now: Oil Companies on the Record
I previewed this yesterday -- today the House Select Committee for Energy Independence and Global Warming "will bring top-level executives from the five largest oil companies to discuss the current state of oil and gas prices, oil company profits, and the need for clean, renewable fuels to ease demand for oil and cut global warming pollution."Price of Gas Still Rising
The price of a gallon of gasoline increased to yet another "new high" of $3.29 -- that's 3.1 cents more in one week. Just looking not-so-far back, on January 17, 2005, when Bush began his second term, the average price was $1.84 a gallon.Oil Hits $105 a Barrel
Oil hits $105 a barrel.Oil Closes Above $100
First time ever.Americans Want a New State of the Union, Not a Third Bush Term
"After eight years of failed Republican leadership, Americans are ready for change, not the third Bush term we'd get with any of the Republican presidential candidates," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "President Bush's final State of the Union must be just that. America literally cannot afford another State of the Union address by a Republican who may have a new name, but most certainly will support the same policies that have kept us in a never ending war in Iraq and gave us an economy that's not working for all Americans."Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Deliver Democratic Radio Address
Speaker Nancy Pelosi will deliver the Democratic Radio Address tomorrow. In her address she will discuss historic energy legislation that will set the nation on a path to energy independence and reduce the cost of home heating oil and the price at the pump.Drill the Everglades? Thompson Says It's Not Off the Table
Really? The Everglades?Democrats Pass Important Energy Bills
Democrats passed legislation that will increase the use of renewable resources like wind and solar, create jobs, invest in biofuels--and pay for it by repealing $16 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies.Victory! Senate Dems Pass Energy Bill
In a victory for the American people, the Senate passed important legislation increasing fuel efficiency, creating laws against price gouging, and boosting the use of renewable fuels.Bush, Republican ‘Energy Policy’ Just More of the Same Old Song
As President Bush offers Americans more of the same failed special interest energy agenda today at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Alabama, a facility shut down just weeks ago due to safety concerns, Democrats in Congress are working to enact smart energy reforms to make our country safer, more secure and energy independent.GOP Blocks Renewable Energy Incentives
Once again Senate Republicans have put the special interests before the people they are supposed to represent, blocking a measure to provide tax breaks for renewable energy.Another GOP Filibuster
Is the Republican Party falling in love with being in the minority? How else do you explain why they would filibuster an energy bill that would reduce our dependence on foreign oil by focusing on energy conservation and renewable fuels.Democrats Getting It Done: Energy Independence
Energy independence is something that both sides talk about, but it's an issue where the old Republican Congress simply failed to lead. Now the Democratic Congress is taking up the issue, offering bold ideas to reduce our nation's dependence on oil by significantly reducing our oil consumption.Gas Prices and the Memorial Day Weekend
Sky-high gas prices are putting the squeeze on working families this Memorial Day weekend, when about 32.1 million travelers will be riding by motor vehicle.More of the Same Failed Energy Policy from Rudy Giuliani
Despite Rudy Giuliani's desperate attempts to distance himself from his ties to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez yesterday, the truth is the Giuliani that Americans do not yet know is beholden to energy special interests. Not only has Giuliani profited from Chavez controlled Citgo Petroleum Company, but he also has showed incompetence when dealing with air quality standards following 9/11.Rudy Blasts Chavez, But Defends His Work for Citgo
Rudy Giuliani yesterday called Hugo Chavez, leader of oil-rich Venezuela, a dangerous foe of the United States--even though Giuliani's law firm lobbies for the U.S. branch of an oil company controlled by Chavez.First 100 Days A Success
With the Senate recently completing their 100th work day, it's worth taking a look at all they have already done to improve the lives of Americans. Unlike the do-nothing Republican Congress they replaced, Democrats have already pursued a positive agenda and gotten things done on ethics reform, minimum wage, energy independence, eduction, health care, homeland security, veterans, and Iraq.Bush's Failed Legacy Watch: Energy Policy
Today, President Bush traveled to Kansas and Missouri to sell his rehashed policies in an effort to save his failed legacy on energy. In his State of the Union address in January, President Bush once again proposed to cut gasoline usage and impose requirements and set goals for renewable and alternative energy. But, this recent rhetoric is only an attempt to cover-up a long record of Republican opposition to renewable energy programs and efforts to gut programs aimed at reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.Supporting Energy Independence and a Clean, Healthy Environment
The following resolution was adopted by the DNC Resolutions Committee at its meeting on February 1, 2007, in conjunction with the meetings of the Democratic National Committee, February 1-3, 2007. Submitted by: Gov. Howard Dean, DNC Chair/Vermont Debbie Dingell, Michigan...One More Bush Energy Photo-Op
While President Bush has been on a post-State of the Union PR campaign to promote his recycled rhetoric on energy independence, the fact remains that over the last six years President Bush has done nothing to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. Today, he will visit with members of Securing America's Energy Future (SAFE), a group whose aim is to "reduce America's dependence on oil." This latest photo-op on energy independence ignores the fact that SAFE has called for immediate action for some time, noting that "The time for action arrived long ago," and that "We must not waste another moment."Bush Renews Broken Promises On Energy
Today, President Bush traveled to Wilmington, Delaware to sell his rehashed energy policies. In his State of the Union address last night, President Bush once again proposed to cut gasoline usage and impose requirements for renewable and alternative energy fuels. This recycled rhetoric follows years of opposition by Republicans to renewable energy programs and continued efforts to gut programs aimed at reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.Dean Responds To President Bush's State Of The Union Address
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in response to President Bush's State of the Union address this eveningFirst 100 Hours Over
The ability of the Democrats to win over significant numbers of Republicans on most votes signals the slim but enticing possibility of Democratic mastery over a demoralized Republican Party. If the new bipartisanship takes root, the prospects for health care legislation and immigration reform sharply improve.Ending Big Oil Subsidies and Investing in Energy Independence
The last item on the 100 Hours Agenda? Rolling back multi-million dollar subsidies the GOP-controlled Congress awarded to Big Oil and investing in energy independence. From the LA Times: When oil company executives came before the Republican-controlled Congress in 2005...A Middle Class Mandate
Union Leader: [Democrats are] championing a consensus legislative agenda geared toward helping families that have been left behind by the GOP. They're standing up for America's shrinking middle class. Pelosi has pledged to spend her first 100 hours on key bread-and-butter economic issues long neglected under Republican rule. This is a leader who understands her mandate.Like a Breath of Fresh Air: Senator Boxer & the Environment Committee
Senator Boxer prepares to take over the Environment Committee: "Any kind of weakening of environmental laws or secrecy or changes in the dead of night — it's over," Boxer said. "We're going to for once, finally, make this committee an environment committee, not an anti-environment committee. ... This is a sea change that is coming to this committee."...Bush’s Failed Energy Policies Lead To Record Profits For Oil Companies
Today, ExxonMobil announced that “its third-quarter earnings rose to $10.49 billion, the second-largest quarterly profit ever recorded by a publicly traded U.S. company.” Royal Dutch Shell also “beat all forecasts with a 21 percent rise in underlying third-quarter profit.” These earnings reports come “as high crude prices this year have fueled record profits in the oil industry” which has triggered “an outcry from consumers who were being asked to pay about $3 a gallon for gasoline in early August.”Idaho Taking the Lead in Wind Energy
Democrats have been on the forefront in pushing for energy independence. In Idaho, Americans want clean and safe energy.Wind and other renewable sources meet what appears to be a growing desire among Idahoans for green energy. A public outcry over...Bush Renews Failed Renewable Energy Policy
Despite the White House's lofty rhetoric when it comes to renewable energy the fact is that America's dependence on foreign energy has increased under Bush's watch. The Bush Administration allowed their friends in the energy industry to write our nation's energy policy. Since then, America's working families have struggled to keep up with escalating gas prices.Bush's Energy Policy Running Out of Gas
Today, President Bush will be peddling his failed energy policies during a visit to Alabama. Upon entering office, the Bush Administration put their friends in the energy industry in charge of writing the nation’s energy policy. As a result, the past five years have led to increased energy costs for America’s working families and made America more dependent on foreign oil.Special Interest Anniversary
One year ago, President Bush signed the Republican energy bill, giving $8 billion in tax breaks to energy companies. Since then, the American people continue to struggle just to fill up their gas tanks, as gas prices are up 65 percent. Energy companies, who have given generously to the Bush White House and Republicans in Congress, have realized record earnings.Real Leadership on Global Warming
New York Times' Columnist Bob Herbert writes today that it's "time to aggressively counter the dangerous nonsense" of those who dispute the threat posed by Global Warming. Examples: Senator Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Chair of the Senate Committee on the Environment: “[M]an-made...California Heats Up and Power Goes Out
Aside from the unbearably high temperatures, global warming can also cause the power to go out. Days of heat and humidity have driven demand for electricity to record highs in California and other states. If people cannot take the weather...Michigan Gov. Granholm Creates Jobs
Today, the Vice President spoke at a closed door, special interest fundraiser for Congressional candidates before heading to a photo-op with members of the Michigan National Guard. With such unusual Republican attention directed at the state, I have to ask:...Congress is Back
Reuters notes that Congress is back this week. U.S. lawmakers returning from a weeklong break on Monday will take up a long list of unfinished -- and possibly insurmountable -- tasks that could help decide whether voters will re-elect them...Chairman Howard Dean's Statement on America's Energy Independence
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on our nation's energy independence.New RNC Web Ad Fails to Admit Bush Failures
Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney issued the following statement on the RNC's latest misleading web advertisementRepublicans 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 on reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, the Bush Administration has again failed the American people.Senator Maria Cantwell Delivers Democratic Radio Address
This week, Senator Maria Cantwell from the state of Washington delivered the Democratic Radio Address.Republicans Ignore Sky High Gas Prices While Big Oil Rakes in Record Profits
On a day when Shell Oil Company announced profits of more than $6 billion, Americans continue to be gouged at the pump while Republican leaders in Washington offer no solutions, only tax breaks for their industry friends.Republicans Again Cave to Special Interests on Gas Prices
Republicans in Washington have again put special interests ahead of the concerns of the American people. With 74 percent of Americans disapproving of the President's handling of the gas crisis, and even more thinking that the White House has not developed a good plan to get gas prices under control, Republicans in the Senate rolled out a small, inadequate plan.Congressman Bart Stupak Delivers Democratic Radio Address
This week, Congressman Bart Stupak of Michigan delivered the Democratic Radio Address. To listen to the audio, click here. Good morning. This is Congressman Bart Stupak of Michigan. These days, every morning, Americans are paying more and more simply to...Out-of-Control Gas Prices
Mouse over each state and look below the map to see how much gas prices have increased in the past year. You will see the actual dollar amount and percent increase as well as the increased costs for one- and...Bush's Ever-Changing Tune On Gas Prices
Since he first ran for President in 2000, President Bush has offered a number of different explanations for what he can and cannot do to help the millions of hard-working Americans deal with out-of-control gas prices.Buying the GOP Congress Highly Profitable for Oil Companies
When people talk about the Republican culture of corruption and the buying and selling of our democracy, a lot of times you think it's just preferential treatment or special access or inflated importance that they buy. With folks scratching their...News Round-Up: Bush's Underwhelming Energy Speech
President Bush's speech on energy policy and skyrocketing gas prices yesterday is already drawing criticism and scrutiny from editorial boards and political writers across the country.Bush Late To The Party On Gas Prices
With his poll numbers in the low 30’s and American struggling under the weight of record-high gas prices, President Bush has finally embraced sound Democratic proposals he once rejected.The Decider-in-Chief?
Last week, President Bush declared that he was decisive, that he was, in fact, the “Decider-in-Chief.” Yet, on issue after issue, he has ignored or pushed off big decisions or argued that there was nothing he could do.Energy Prices and Campaign Contributions
It's tough turning on the television and watching the president pretend his priorities include reducing the price at the pump for average Americans. It should be completely obvious to people at this point how the energy racket works in D.C....Senator Bill Nelson Delivers Democratic Radio Address
This week, Senator Bill Nelson from Florida delivered the Democratic Radio Address. To listen to the audio, click here. Hi, I'm Bill Nelson, Senator from Florida. I know that many of you are anxious right now - with $3 gasoline...Democrats Offer Bold Security Agenda
Democratic leaders across the country joined House and Senate Democrats in unveiling a comprehensive plan for providing the American people with real security. The agenda stands in stark contrast to the dangerous incompetence of the Republican leadership.Business Trumps Americans' Security In Republican-Led Washington
The Bush Administration's bungling of a deal to allow a foreign government-owned firm to run some of our nation's largest seaports has put the spotlight on the White House's continuing efforts to put the priorities of corporate special interests above the concerns of the American people.Treasury Secretary Brings Bush Energy Snow Job to Memphis
On the heels of a Chicago Tribune report today detailing the sharp cuts in energy conservation programs in President Bush's budget, Treasury Secretary John Snow is in Memphis today to sell the President's hollow energy proposals.Transportation Secretary Takes Bush's Empty Energy Rhetoric for a Spin in Michigan
This week, President Bush and members of his Cabinet are touring the country, trying to convince the American people that the Bush Administration is finally joining Democrats in working to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.Transportation Secretary Takes Bush Empty Energy Rhetoric for a Spin in Omaha
This week, President Bush and members of his Cabinet are touring the country, trying to convince the American people that the Bush Administration is finally joining Democrats in working to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. As part of that...Treasury Secretary Brings Bush's Energy Snow Job to Connecticut
This week, President Bush and members of his cabinet are touring the country, trying to convince the American people that the Bush Administration is finally joining Democrats in working to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.Secretary Bodman Brings Hot Air on Energy Rhetoric to Richmond
This week, President Bush and members of his Cabinet are touring the country, trying to convince the American people that the Bush Administration is finally joining Democrats in working to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.Interior Secretary Brings Bush's Empty Rhetoric on Energy to California
This week, President Bush and members of his Cabinet are touring the country, trying to convince the American people that the Bush Administration is finally joining Democrats in working to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.A Lot of Hot Air in President's Energy Tour
Today, as President Bush toured the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, he had a difficult balancing act between his empty rhetoric and the realities of his failed energy policy.All for the Photo-Op
On the eve of a presidential visit to a renewable energy lab in Colorado, the Department of Energy said it has transferred $5 million to the operation, which had funding cut and employees laid off this month due to budget shortfalls.Just Kidding...
I wonder what else the president didn't "mean literally" during the State of the Union Address. The Philadelphia Inquirer: What the President said in his State in the Union speech is not quite what he meant, two aides said. WASHINGTON...Senate Republicans Protect Oil Industry Executives, Democrats Insist on Fair Prices and the Truth
Despite testifying before Congress last week that they were not involved in drafting the Bush Administration's special interest-driven energy policy, White House documents indicate that oil company executives met with Vice President Cheney's energy task force in 2001, according to today's Washington Post.Senator Ted Stevens' Bad Day
Some of you might remember the hysterics of Republican Senator Ted Stevens in the United States Senate when an amendment proposed by Senator Tom Coburn threatened to divert funding for the "Bridge to Nowhere" towards the reconstruction of a bridge...The Misplaced Priorities of the Party in Power
As millions of American families are wondering how they will pay skyrocketing home heating costs this winter, Republicans in Congress are continuing to push a radical, special interest agenda at the expense of ordinary working families.Drilling in ANWR Cut from Budget Bill; Seals, Polar Bears Rejoice
House Republican leaders late Wednesday abandoned an attempt to push through a hotly contested plan to open an Alaskan wildlife refuge to oil drilling, fearing it would jeopardize approval of a budget bill expected to come up for a vote on Thursday.Heating Bills to Skyrocket; GOP Sides With Special Interests Over the American People
According to a new report from the Energy Department, winter heating bills will nearly double for many across the country this year. News about skyrocketing heating costs this winter comes on the heels of the controversial passage in the House of a Republican bill specifically written to help out refineries and big oil companies.Gas Prices
In 2000, Bush promised to "jawbone" Saudi leaders and use his clout with Big Oil to lower gas prices. When he took office, the average price of gas was $1.46 a gallon [Energy Information Administration, 1/15/01]. Bush had his...Bush Must Stand Up for the American People on Gas Prices
Today, President Bush said that given record gas prices, the American people must make sacrifices. Specifically, he said that Americans should avoid driving on trips that are “not essential” and that federal agencies should “curtail nonessential travel.”Dean: Bush Needs to Take High Road on Gas Price Crisis
Because President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have failed to take action to reduce skyrocketing gas prices, state and local governments across the country are being forced to take matters into their own hands.American Families Struggling with Rising Gas Prices While Oil Companies Post Record Profits
While American families are struggling to cope with skyrocketing gas prices, oil companies are reaping huge profits.Bush White House Still Blowing Smoke New Proposal on Greenhouse Gases Wholly Ineffective
Years after abandoning the Kyoto Protocol, President Bush yesterday proposed a new international agreement that will not reduce current levels of greenhouse gas emissions.Record Prices, Record Profits
According to the Energy Information Administration, the price of regular, unleaded, gasoline has risen by 32 cents, or 17.4 percent, since Bush's 2nd inauguration.
Drilling For Kickbacks: The Truth About Bush's Energy Plan
As gas prices surge past $2.23 per gallon, President Bush and the Congressional Republicans are scrambling to use the crisis to push through an energy bill that is nothing more than a gift to special interests that will hurt the environment while doing nothing to lower gas prices. Democrats have proposed and are committed to real solutions.
Bush has Repeatedly Failed to Stand Up to Foreign Leaders
OPEC leaders during the 2000 campaign, President Bush has done nothing to alleviate skyrocketing gas prices today. We certainly hope that President Bush will listen to the American people and finally stand up to foreign leaders for American interests.
Energy Bill Disaster
As gas prices surge over $2 per gallon, 34 percent of Americans now blame Bush and the Republicans, according to a March ABC News/Washington Post poll. So, Bush and Republicans are scrambling to use the crisis to push through their right-wing agenda while giving the appearance of doing something.
As Americans Face Record Prices at the Gas Pump, They Continue to Wonder When Bush Will Take Action
Throughout the country, gas prices have skyrocketed to record levels -- an average of $2.25 per gallon nationally -- with no end in sight. Yet for months as the American people have watched more and more of their hard earned money siphoned away at the gas pump, President Bush has ignored the crisis, choosing instead to fly around the country at taxpayers' expense pitching his scheme to privatize social security.
