Both energy security and economic security must be components of our overarching national security strategy. As we all know, national security starts right here at home. We as a nation cannot be truly secure until we reduce the impact of international energy markets on our citizens and businesses. Some countries, for example, have nationalized their energy industries in order to reduce outside influence and pave the way to economic expansion. I am not an advocate of doing this in the United States for a myriad of reasons, but I do believe that we have the ability to enhance our overall security by reducing the market’s influence.
We can either lead the drive for new energy, or we can let others do it and be subject to their patents and constraints. Innovation and entrepreneurialism are some of the bedrocks of our democracy. Why would we not want to harness our strengths, bolster our economy and increase our national security at the same time? I believe in looking for solutions that will not only enhance our national security but also improve our gross regional product here in San Diego. Lou Russo is right in that we need “comprehensive energy reform” that incorporates a variety of energy production mechanisms. That is the reason for the title “We Can’t Drill Our Way Out.” Drilling alone will not get us out of this mess.
The only words I have heard from my opponent on meeting our energy requirements involve drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This is clearly not a strategy for solving our current challenges. As most are aware, ANWR has a limited supply of oil (as outlined in the 1993 U.S. Geological Survey, which looked at the 1002 Area for drilling) and there are numerous technical and environmental challenges that are unlikely to be conquered in the short term. Also, please keep in mind that in a global marketplace, just because it is drilled in the United States does not mean that it will sold or consumed in the United States. I see positions like the ones my opponents are taking as “bumper sticker politics,” which are not focused on solving our problems, but simply pointing fingers at others in an effort to place blame.