As the California crisis shows, the nation needs an energy policy. It is factually clear that America is failing to produce the energy needed for future demands. Demand for raw energy resources is growing alarmingly.
In the next 20 years, the US will need 31% more petroleum, 62% more natural gas, 22% more coal, 45% more electricity, and 26% more renewable energy resources. Moreover, not only has it been more than 25 years since a major new petroleum refinery has been constructed in the US, but in the last 20 years, half of all existing refineries have closed. To compound our energy problems, US demand for electricity is growing by 10,000 Mw/year, but only about 8,000 Mw are being added.
Since everyone in America has a stake in our energy needs, everyone should be involved in enacting, developing, and implementing a national energy policy. The Bush energy policy is a good one, but we can expect the liberal mainstream of America to attempt derailing it. I'm urging everyone to back the Bush energy policy.
Dailey J. Berard
Chairman
Universal Fabricators LLC
New Iberia, La
