Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Domenici: America must find gasoline substitutes

It's true. America is addicted to crude oil

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Belen Speaking in front of a full house at the Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, Sen. Pete Domenici, R-NM, provided some insight into alternative ways to lessen America's dependence on oil.

Three years ago, Domenici said, he was given a challenge: What should America do about energy? He decided to pursue a bipartisan deal where Democrats and Republicans could work together, seeking alternatives to oil consumption. What was unique about this situation was the fact that two of the Senators, Domenici and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-NM, were from the same state. This has changed the way Congress looks at energy.

The energy bill addresses nuclear and wind energy and is designed to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

"There are 103 nuclear plants in the United States, none have been built in over 25 years but now 18 applicants seriously want to build them," Domenici said. "Wind energy will allow tax credits and, in this bill, all electric companies have the same level of protection against blackout."

The demand for oil is monstrous, he said, and as the price goes up, Americans have to ask what in the world have they done to themselves, he said. "Let's get rid of this addiction."

He noted that Brazil gets its fuel from sugar beets, which is easily turned into alcohol.

"They produce it so damn cheap," Domenici said. "I mean, so cheap."

In addition to sugar beets, energy can be made from corn, soybeans and switchback grass and turned into ethanol, he said.

"This will dramatically impact the amount of fuel we use," he said.

Wind energy is also another way to produce electricity and, although there are some environmental downsides, he said the risks are minimal compared to the advantages.

"There is a way to beat this addiction," Domenici said. "The essence is to become the manager of our destiny that runs the economic machine."

While ways to lessen reliance on oil are in the works, Domenici also expressed his concern for the arsenic compliance regulations communities in the county are facing.

"I'm worried about the problem you have here," he said.

In a news release, Domenici said he has convened a group of senators who will address the strict arsenic standards with the Environmental Protection Agency, and he has written legislation that creates grant programs for communities in addition to providing $7 million for arsenic research at Sandia National Laboratories.

"Things are changing for the better," Domenici said. "Better opportunities and better jobs are coming to this area."

Domenici said the absolute most important thing was to have good elected officials in office. He stated that the challenge was to bring as much growth and business here as possible.

"I commend those in leadership," Domenici said. "The future of this county relies on local leadership."

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