Normally, I’m not one to give away where I am on the political compass (I’d rather shy away from political debate); But I just wanted to share with you my discovery.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s official. I’m Ghandi.

Dear [ me ]:

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the high price of gas. I am well aware of the difficult times that individuals and families face due to the increased cost of fuel. Please be assured that this is an issue that my colleagues and I take very seriously. The Congress has been working hard to pass meaningful legislation to reduce some of the burden of the high prices by addressing issues that are interrelated to the cost of gas. Please allow me to share with you some of the initiatives that we have been considering.

Rising gasoline prices have amplified interest in the research and development of alternative energy sources in order to reduce our dependence on oil. I have long been a supporter of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, ethanol, biomass, hydrogen fuel sells and wind technologies, which I believe would be beneficial for our nation, and especially for Hawaii. Strong efforts have been made by the Majority to pass legislation with renewable energy tax incentives, but have been consistently blocked. Most recently, a tax bill, S. 3335, included a package of renewable energy incentives and provisions for research and development credit. On July 28, 2008, the Senate voted on the motion to invoke cloture to proceed to consider S. 3335. However, the vote required a three-fifths majority, and the motion failed by a vote of 52-40.

There has also been a renewed focus on the efficiency of U.S. fuel consumption in the transportation sector. On December 19, 2007, H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act, was signed into law. This Act includes an increase of corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Changes to the federal CAFE standards will help to address the interest in reducing fossil fuel consumption and improving the efficiency of the U.S. transportation sector. The Act will also increase the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022.

Others have focused on reducing speculation in the oil markets. There are numerous legislative proposals that are pending before the Congress to ensure that commodity prices are not manipulated or distorted by excessive speculation. For example, I am a cosponsor of S. 2991, the Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008, which calls for the CFTC to substantially increase the margin requirement on crude oil futures trades within 90 days to limit ecessive speculation and protect consumers. Another speculation bill, S. 3268, was placed before the Senate for consideration, but was blocked by the Minority.

There has also been interest in expanding exploration and drilling for oil in the United States. I do not support the allowance of domestic costal drilling and exploration for natural cas and oil deposits. The inventory of offshore natural gas and oil would involve techniques, such as siesmic blasts, which are harmful to oceanic ecosystems. However, while I have consistantly continued my commitment to the protection, conservation and responsible management of our nation’s natural resources, at the same time, I am open to the possibility of energy exploration adn development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). It is my belife that, with proper regulation and enforcement, the ANWR Costal Plain’s potentially vast crude oil resources can be explored in a way that is compatible with the interests of the Inupiat Eskimos and natural resources located within the area.

Please be assured that Congress is taking the necessary steps to move legislation forward that will address some of your concerns. Thank you again for writing, I appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns with me.

Aloha,

Daniel K. Inouye
United States Senator

I decided to send another letter…

Dear [recipient name was inserted here],

The price of fuel at the pump is battering my family budget and is dragging down our entire national economy. Given the fragile condition of our economy, there is no time for delay. Congress needs to put politics aside and take action on energy legislation before leaving Washington for the August recess. 

There is no single, magic bullet that will solve this crisis. The situation can only be solved through thoughtful and comprehensive reforms to our nation’s energy policy.  Congress must enact bipartisan legislation that limits excessive speculation and encourages environmentally sound domestic production. 

It is only through this broad comprehensive approach that Congress can effectively address the causes of today’s record energy prices. But please don’t delay. Families like mine and businesses everywhere are hurting.  I strongly urge you to come to an agreement on an energy policy that accomplishes all of these objectives, and to act before the August recess.

Sincerely,
… Me