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05.18.2011 0

Obama promises his energy policy will change everything… but when?

By Rebecca Difede – President Obama made headlines this week when he announced his intention to open up domestic drilling in the Gulf of Mexico as well as in Alaska (though not in the holy land of ANWR). While many Democrats might see this and breathe a sigh of relief, this release has Republicans clenching their teeth in disbelief.

On May 16, 2010 New York Times reporter John Broder published an article with a quote from Obama stating that he would never approve drilling in Alaska, and would actively pursue alternate energy sources, however that was just another oversized gas tank that turned up empty.

Since the chase for the alternative energy illusion has cost billions of dollars, not to mention the natural resources that have not been developed in its stead, Obama seemingly reversed course and decided that indeed, Americans should participate in drilling in Alaska and the Gulf.

Unfortunately for the American people, the past year of Obama’s meandering around the issue of domestic drilling has left them another year away from energy independence.

With gas prices having risen to over $4 a gallon, Obama’s energy intransigence has created an incredibly potent drain on an already wounded economy. However Obama neither seems to mind, nor regret the significant spike in energy costs, and was quoted saying, “I am not against $5.00 a gallon, just not this fast.” That was in 2008.

Following the passage of the so-called “stimulus” bill, Obama stated that his proposed changes would lead to energy independence eventually, but refused to commit to a timeline. The official White House website reads, emphasis added, “Investments in the development of renewable energy and clean technologies will lead to the energy sources of the future.  Investments in high speed rail and advanced car batteries will lead to the transportation systems of the future. Investments in a smart electric grid…will reduce our overall energy consumption as a nation. And all of these investments will lead to the industries of the future…and create millions of jobs over time.”  However it does not say when or how, which raises some questions.

When asked for his thoughts about Obama’s year-long flip flop Bill Wilson, President of Americans for Limited Government, said he felt that “Obama’s energy policy is a fantasy, and is doomed based upon its assumption that government and not the free market can effectively pick economic winners and losers.”

Another hole in the weary tapestry that is Obama’s energy policy is a little sneakier. According to the Detroit News, last month Obama declared his plan make the federal transportation ‘green’ stating, “I’m directing our departments and our agencies to make sure 100 percent of the vehicles they buy are fuel-efficient or clean energy cars and trucks by 2015. Not 50 percent, not 75 percent — 100 percent of our vehicles.”

However, just like a payment plan from a used car salesman, one must always read the fine print.

In this case, it reveals that there are exemptions to the 100 percent clean federal vehicles. Would these be for a noble purpose, perhaps for something that would benefit the public at large? Not on your life.

Detroit News went on to divulge that Obama has decided that “some federal vehicles for law enforcement and security purposes will be exempt” — among them “the GM-built Cadillac presidential limousine and other vehicles in the motorcade.”

So essentially, Obama is going to force the rest of the federal government to give up their travel accommodations for clean energy models, but he gets to keep his Cadillac limo? How exactly is that used for “security purposes” in a way that a comparatively armored limousine that ran on clean energy could not?

Oh, that’s right. Because they’re his cars, and he doesn’t mind taxpayers paying $4 a gallon to fill his gas tank. He can only hope that the rest of the country still loves him once they realize he thinks he’s too good for the very types of clean energy he tries to promote.

Rebecca Difede is a contributing editor to Americans for Limited Government.

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