ENERGY: IER Compares Obama’s and Romney’s Energy and Environmental Plans
By MB Snow at October 12, 2012 | 12:40 am | Print
Posted October 11, 2012 –
Introduction
Energy is the lifeblood of any economy. The United States achieved the world’s largest economy on affordable, abundant and reliable energy which fueled productivity and gains in our quality of life, and these productivity gains are major contributors to the tremendous economic advancements that have been made throughout the world.
As U.S. citizens decide their choice for President this year, government’s involvement in energy policy has reached new heights. At the same time, the entire paradigm regarding energy is shifting: The U.S. can become the world’s largest oil producer by the end of this decade and is already the world’s largest natural gas producer. Added to our largest-in-the-world coal supplies, increased oil and gas production means the U.S. is staging a rapid return to energy abundance, thanks to American ingenuity and technology made possible by private investment. The only major threat to a rebirth of American economic growth fueled with affordable and reliable energy is the possibility of misplaced priorities in Washington surrounding the supply and use of energy. Therefore, the government’s approach to energy is now, more than ever before, essential to choosing the future through our exercise of the right to vote.
As you analyze the presidential candidates’ positions on this important topic, ask yourself these two questions: which of the candidates truly understands that abundant, affordable, and reliable supplies of energy—from all sources—is essential to our quality of life, and do the positions that they espouse reflect this critical understanding?
Below is a short comparison of some of the key points within the energy and environmental plans of the two major presidential candidates—President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney. The items listed below are taken from the candidates’ official websites, news articles featuring their stated positions, and analyses of policies they have supported or implemented as public officials.
Table of Contents
Oil
Natural Gas
Coal
Wind and Solar
Biomass and Biofuel
Nuclear
Regulations
Personnel
via Institute for Energy Research | IER Compares Obama’s and Romney’s Energy and Environmental Plans.
