In parts of Idaho, gas prices are already over $4 a gallon -- and prices in the rest of the state are quickly approaching that same mark. It's a big issue for Idaho families, something I hear about at each of my "Working for the Senate" work-a-day stops.
In fact, over the past 7 years of Dick Cheney's energy plan, gas prices across the country have skyrocketed more than 250%.
So what have George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Republicans in Congress done about high gas prices? Absolutely nothing -- and, in fact, national Republicans have blocked Democratic efforts to address the crisis so they can protect the big oil and gas interests that are contributing to their re-election campaigns.
Now Jim Risch wants to join the do-nothing Republican caucus in the Senate -- and he has no plan to solve the energy crisis. With the high cost of energy as one of the most important issues facing Idahoans, that's unconscionable.
I've already released my energy plan which calls for developing new alternative energy sources and increasing energy efficiency to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In the process, we can also cut our greenhouse gas emissions which will help us stem the growing global warming crisis.
I support tax incentives to encourage efficiency and the use of alternative energy. I also believe the government should help fund the research and development of alternative energy technology.
Achieving energy independence will create thousands of good jobs in Idaho while cutting energy costs, stabilizing our economy, reducing the threat of global warming, and increasing our national security.
That's a quick summary of my energy plan -- now it's time for Jim Risch to release his. Jim, let's tell the people of Idaho what we're going to do to solve the energy crisis, and let them decide who'll make the better United States Senator.
Why doesn't Jim Risch want to release an energy plan? It's simple:
Jim Risch takes campaign contributions from oil company giants like Chevron and Exxon-Mobil. These big oil executives love high gas prices which pump up their paychecks, so Jim Risch doesn't want to rock their boat with an energy plan that would cut their corporate profits.
It's just another example of Jim Risch putting the big corporate interests ahead of Idaho working families. We can't let him get away with it.
Thank you so much for joining me in speaking out and urging Jim Risch to come clean with the people of Idaho. They deserve to know where their two primary Senate candidates stand on energy.
I agree. We are all tired of platitudes like Risch's: "Oh yes, we'll fix it." HOW? Let us in on the details. LaRocco has done that -- given us some sense of the what and how. Idaho can be a leader in energy production and innovation, but it will never happen if we send Risch to DC.
Posted by: Grigby | June 06, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Larry, this is such a major issue because it affects everything: our economy, our environment, our national security, and our health.
As you know, both Larry Craig and Mike Crapo voted Friday to stall the bipartisan climate change legislation. Jim Risch opposes the legislation, too - as does George W. Bush.
It now looks likely that there will be NO action on climate change legislation until 2009. That means Idahoans have a very important choice: whether to stay with the Republican brand, which will mean continued inaction, or whether to vote for change. You are the clear change candidate, recognizing that far from harming our economy, smart climate change legislation could lead to many great new green-collar jobs, not to mention cleaner air and less dependence on foreign oil.
On energy and so many other issues, Risch is a poor choice indeed.
Posted by: Julie in Boise | June 07, 2008 at 08:29 AM