Energy Price and Jobs, the Answer is?

There are two things that need addressed that will help the most people in this country. One is to lower energy prices and the other is create jobs.

We can accomplish both quickly if we adopt the concepts outlined from a previous post. Please read and get others to read.  These concepts will boost the economy faster than any other plan discussed. We need to get folk’s talking about real solutions instead of just talking points.

While changes in the way traders move the price of oil and other commodities is something that should be addressed now, it does not replace our need to drill more wells and build more infrastructure including pipelines and refining capacity. Natural gas is already abundant and there should be efforts immediately to shift some of the demand now on oil over the Natural Gas.

We need more access to Federal Lands to make a real difference and the American public has both the desire and right to access these lands. Immediate changes should be made in policy to allow for more access in a timely manner without the heavy handed regulation that plaques growth in the sector. We must accept that refining is necessarily going to have to grow in order to meet demand as the nation continues to grow.

Huge amounts of capital will have to be invested. This should not come from taxpayers. The industry and the private sectors will provide the capital necessary just as they did for the gas producers over the last 5 years.  There is more than $1 trillion setting on the sidelines waiting for opportunities to finance and to invest in our energy future if government would simply get out of the way and/or provide the environment that streamlines the processes that are necessary.

To jump start the process. Consider that there are $750 billion in offshore profits held by companies that would like to bring those funds back to the US, but are reluctant to do so under the current tax burden that would be placed on these repatriated funds.  A huge and immediate boost to the economy, the job market and every American if a portion of these funds were made available for  energy improvements.

Congress should consider and pass a law that would exempt all repatriated funds if used in some manner to develop energy related projects.  Whether it is green energy, black, purple or gold makes no difference. The market should decide winners and losers and not the government.

The American people can turn our energy situation around fast if government would simple allow for the tools necessary.  It really is that simple.

Energy Future

Fresh from New York after Eric Bolling revealed his secret plan to reduce gas prices on “Paying At The Pump” with Governor Sarah Palin. His idea to change the margin requirements for traders certainly has merit and should be explored immediately. I appreciate the opportunity to express some ideas on the show but wish we would have been allowed more time to discuss other ideas.

While changes in the way traders move the price of oil and other commodities is something that should be addressed now, it does not replace our need to drill more wells and build more infrastructure including pipelines and refining capacity. Natural gas is already abundant and there should be efforts immediately to shift some of the demand now on oil over the Natural Gas.

We need more access to Federal Lands to make a real difference and the American public has both the desire and right to access these lands. Immediate changes should be made in policy to allow for more access in a timely manner without the heavy handed regulation that plaques growth in the sector. We must accept that refining is necessarily going to have to grow in order to meet demand as the nation continues to grow.

Huge amounts of capital will have to be invested. This should not come from taxpayers. The industry and the private sectors will provide the capital necessary just as they did for the gas producers over the last 5 years.  There is more than $1 trillion setting on the sidelines waiting for opportunities to finance and to invest in our energy future if government would simply get out of the way and/or provide the environment that streamlines the processes that are necessary.

To jump start the process. Consider that there are $750 billion in offshore profits held by companies that would like to bring those funds back to the US, but are reluctant to do so under the current tax burden that would be placed on these repatriated funds.  A huge and immediate boost to the economy, the job market and every American if a portion of these funds were made available for  energy improvements.

Congress should consider and pass a law that would exempt all repatriated funds if used in some manner to develop energy related projects.  Whether it is green energy, black, purple or gold makes no difference. The market should decide winners and losers and not the government.

The American people can turn our energy situation around fast if government would simple allow for the tools necessary.  It really is that simple.

Real Questions

Here are some of the real questions American’s want answered. In no particular order:

How does congress justify requiring its constituents to participate in a healthcare program from which they exempt themselves?

Why does congress allow themselves better retirement benefits than average citizens and why do they think citizens should pay for theirs?

How do lawmakers think it is ok to require proof of insurance, but think proof of citizenship is a burden?

Why does government think it is ok to take money from taxpayers and give it to private companies of their choosing?

Why does Congress delegate its authority to the EPA and other agencies without congressional oversight?

Why is the executive branch allowed to circumvent the constitution without congressional or judicial challenges?  ie: Czars who are not elected and regulations imposed by unelected officials.

Why do we need legislation barring  insider trading by government officials? Did they think they were exempt from the insider trading laws the rest of us are subject to? What else are they exempt from?

Why is Social Security in financial trouble. Is it because we did not collect enough from those in the program or that we pay out to those who did not contribute. Why and how is this fixed fairly?

How is the National Debt going to be repaid. Really, this needs a real answer to which none have surfaced?

Why does government not perform a cost/benefit analysis on legislation and regulation before enactment?

Why is it ok to build roads and bridges that will require chemicals and salt to be applied forever, but a temporary earth disturbance such as a coal mine or oil well is unacceptable.

Who changed the meaning of the word “swamp” to “wetland” and how can government control privately owned swamp land without compensating the owner.

Why do we need any more laws? Don’t we have enough.

What steps must be taking to insure we have affordable energy?

Why are there so many lawsuits and should there be changes in legislation to curtail them?

It appears to me that government does not have answers to any of these questions. It seems that they only know how to increase the power and influence of government while diminishing the power of the people.  Before it is too late, the people better start exercising its power at the ballot box.  Anyone not having answers to these questions and the willingness to address them does not deserve our vote.