Energy Independence

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 change.

We know that the jobs of the 21st century will be created in developing new energy solutions. The question is whether these jobs will be created in America, or abroad. We should use government procurement policies to incentivize domestic production of clean and renewable energy.

For the sake of our security -- and for every American family that is paying the price at the pump -- we will break our addiction to foreign oil. We Democrats commit to fast-track investment of billions of dollars over the next ten years to establish a green energy sector that will create up to five million jobs. This transition to a clean-energy industry will also benefit low-income communities: we'll create an energy-focused youth job program to give disadvantaged youth job skills for this emerging industry.

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. And we will help workers learn the skills they need to compete in the green economy. We are committed to getting at least 25 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

To lower the price of gasoline, 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 weatherization programs, and by providing energy assistance to help middle-class families make ends meet in this time of inflated energy prices.

The Latest »

Another Former Republican Senator for Obama

October 28, 2008 - In an op-ed printed in the Washington Post this morning, former Maryland Senator Charles Mathias (R) endorsed Senator Barack Obama. Mathias served in the House of Representatives from 1961 until 1969 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate and served until 1987.
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McCain Claims He Hasn't Flipped on Anything from 2000

October 23, 2008 - John McCain told the local CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. that ''I'm the same guy'' from 2000, claiming that he hasn't flipped on any issue since his last run for the presidency.
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Senator Clinton in PA: ''Jobs, Baby, Jobs''

October 13, 2008 - Senator Hillary Clinton, on the stump in Pennsylvania for Senator Barack Obama.
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''The Subject''

October 7, 2008 - We know what kind of game John McCain is going to play for the remainder of the election. A top aide recently admitted to that ''If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we’re going to lose.'' John McCain, who is out of ideas, out of touch and out of time, is desperately trying to change the subject. It will not work.
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McCain Puts Venezuela in the Middle East

September 30, 2008 - First, John McCain says he will not meet with a NATO ally that he thinks is in Latin America, and now all of a sudden Venezuela is in the Middle East. When political pundits said this race could change the map, this is not what they had in mind.
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Gov. Brian Schweitzer

August 26, 2008 - Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer says we need a new energy system that is clean, green and American-made, and that we simply can’t drill our way to energy independence, even if you drilled in all of John McCain’s backyards, including the ones he can’t even remember.
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Rear Admiral John Hutson (Ret.)

August 26, 2008 - Rear Admiral John Hutson (ret.) says ''the 'Grand Old Party' is no longer grand. It’s just old. The same old, failed policies. The same, old Washington culture.''
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The Honorable Federico Peña

August 26, 2008 - Federico Peña, former Mayor of Denver, Transportation and Energy Secretary, talks about the energy crisis, how John McCain will only make it worse, and how Barack Obama will lead us to energy independence.
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Nancy Floyd

August 26, 2008 - Nancy Floyd talks green energy.
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Anna Burger

August 26, 2008 - SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger talks about growing up in Pennsylvania, and how unions have passed on better lives for our children.
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