Energy Independence
For the sake of our national security -- for every American family that is paying the price at the pump -- and for every American tired of hearing past and present administrations proclaim how they will bring our energy crisis under control, we will finally break our addiction to foreign oil. The ARP will commit to take the required steps to bring an end to our total dependency on oil and move our country toward the use of clean and renewable energy. We will commit to fast-track our efforts and provide the necessary investment in the clean energy sectors of our economy. We must invest in these new and emerging technologies here in this country to insure jobs in America. This transition to a clean-energy industry will further benefit all-income communities by immediately creating millions of badly need jobs throughout the industry. To achieve success and reach our goal of independence from foreign oil during this transition period, we must balance our use of existing energy resources with our impact on our environment.
We recognize that any transition of this magnitude will require a sweeping, common sense, approach in making certian interim eviornmental concessions plus modifications to State and Federal laws and regulations over the next 15 years. We must begin by tapping into our existing and readily available coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear reserves and resources while our private sector develop and deploy the necessary clean-energy technology at reasonably affordable costs. We'll dramatically increase the fuel efficiency of automobiles, and we'll help auto manufacturers and parts suppliers convert to build the cars and trucks of the future and their 18 key components in the United States. We will work with and help industry, small business, managers and workers learn the skills they need to compete in an energy efficient economy. We are committed to getting at least 25 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025.
We will crack down on speculators who are driving up prices beyond the natural market rate. We will direct the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to vigorously investigate and prosecute market manipulation in oil futures. And we will help those who are hit hardest by high energy prices by increasing funding for low-income heating assistance and affective weatherizing programs, and by providing energy assistance to help middle-class families make ends meet in this time of inflated energy prices.
In the past, America has been stirred to action when faced with new threats to our national security, or new competitive conditions that undercut our economic leadership. The energy threat we face today may be less immediate than threats from dictators, but it is as real and as dangerous. The dangers are eclipsed only by the opportunities that would come with moving our country to self-dependent, renewable clean energy.
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