Democratic Position on Alternative Fuels

Democrats on Alternative Fuels

Introduction

As oil prices go up and environmental concerns rise to the fore of public consciousness , governments all over the world are worried over the state of fossil fuels . Even before they are depleted , governments including the United States are looking for alternative sources of fuel in case the fossil fuels finally run out . In addition to this , fossil fuels tend to do the greatest damage to the environment . By looking at alternative fuels , environmental issues will also be addressed . In the United States , the concern over

alternative fuels have been dealt with debated and brainstormed at the Congress and Senate

Back in the year 2006 , the Democrats forwarded a plan to reduce or even would have reduced oil in consumption in the US by about 12 million barrels a day by 2020 as opposed to the present day consumption of around 20 million barrels a day . This can be made possible by using alternative fuels for vehicles . This would also revoke oil subsidies and redirect them to renewable fuels and citizens who are struggling to pay their energy costs (Janofsky , 2006

This proposal from the Democrats is in direct opposition to the plan presented by the Republicans , which is to continue further oil explorations by opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and giving incentive to oil companies for building refineries . The Republican policy in dealing with fossil fuels is to decrease demand in the United States and increase supply by looking for alternative sources of oil . That of the Democrats , however , is closer to seeking alternatives to oil (Janofsky , 2006

Sources of Alternative Fuel

The United States consumes about 25 of the world 's oil supply . Yet , it only possesses 3 of the world 's oil supply . The intention of Democrats is simple enough - reduce dependency on foreign oil while decreasing the prices of fuels across the nation . Alternative sources of fuel may come from biodiesel , made of soybeans that can be mixed with diesel . In addition to this , natural gas and wind power are also alternative sources being considered . Ethanol , which can be derived from sugar is also another source of energy being considered (Bailey , 2005

Based on the Energy Dependence Bill d by Democrats in 2006 , their stand on alternative fuels can be readily recognized . Energy independence is their overriding goal . This goal can be accomplished by promoting the use of alternative fuels and fuel efficient vehicles . On the part of consumers , this may mean using passenger rail , mass transit and bicycles more often . Part of the strategy of Democrats in dealing with alternative fuels is the establishment of a National Energy Security Commission that can help plan and recommend solutions for alternative fuels . In addition to this , they also plan to create a Center for High Efficiency Vehicles that can aid manufacturers in making vehicles more fuel efficient . The Democrats also want to create a National Biofuels Infrastructure Development Program that would stimulate invention and innovation for alternative fuels . This...