Statement of Diane E. Brown, Executive Director, on President Bush and Energy Policy

Arizona PIRG

It is good news that President Bush recognizes what many have sensed for a long time; that we are dangerously reliant on oil in ways that our economy and our environment can no longer tolerate.

If President Bush is serious about moving us in a new direction on energy he needs to:

Commit to renewable energy by following the lead of 20 states and the District of Columbia, with minimum renewable energy requirements. By 2017, these state renewable energy requirements will result in enough renewable energy to power 20 million homes.

Commit to Cleaner More Fuel Efficient Automobiles instead of standing in the way of at least 10 states (CA, WA, OR, NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, ME and VT) that have adopted clean cars standards that would put more hybrids and advanced technology cars on the road; which will reduce pollution and reduce gasoline consumption by billions of gallons per year.

Commit to Energy Efficiency as the fastest and cheapest way to address our energy needs. 10 states (AZ, WA, OR, CA, MD, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA); frustrated by federal inaction, adopted energy efficiency standards which will save consumers in those states billions of dollars.

Promote Energy Conservation. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has found that a 2 percent reduction in electricity and natural gas demand could trigger a 25 percent reduction in wholesale natural gas prices within a single year.

Promote Clean Energy Sources which are cheaper and quicker to bring on line rather than casting our lot with expensive and risky technology like nuclear power. The administration is choosing to ignore both the costs and the risks associated with nuclear power; including the lack of a safe disposal for nuclear waste, the heightened risk of proliferation of nuclear materials into the hands of terrorists, and the extraordinary costs associated with nuclear power.