The Declaration of Energy Independence by Lin DeCesare--Adopted Unanimously, July 4, 2011, Energy Independence Day Tea Party, Independence Mall, Philadephia, PA
When in the course of governing, leaders do not act in the best interest of their nation and its citizens, it is the right, it is the duty of those citizens to hold those leaders accountable for their actions and to remind them from whom their power is derived and whom it is they serve.
It is also necessary for those citizens to work for and demand change of the laws, regulations, and policies enacted and imposed by their leaders, by government agencies, by presidential czars, and by executive orders.
For many decades, ENERGY INDEPENDENCE has been the stated goal of our government. But, in reality the energy industry has become burdened with oppressive regulation and our nation has become increasingly dependant on foreign energy sources.
With dependence on foreign oil, the United States is subject to the policies and prices set by the OPEC oil cartel. Many of the cartels members are hostile to the US and its interests, yet their polices directly affect our economy and our national security.
For too long, United States energy policy has been directed by environmental concerns. Those concerns are valid, but we must also be concerned with how the cost of energy affects the growth of our economy, jobs, and our national security.
Advances in exploration and production techniques and technologies have made development of oil and natural gas reserves safer and less harmful to the environment.
Yet, the president and his administration continue their oppressive
treatment of the energy industry.
In 2009 the president signed an executive order loaning two billion dollars of US taxpayer money to Brazil for development of that country’s deep water drilling program. On a trip to Brazil in March, the president told the Brazilians his administration would
provide them with the “technology and support” needed to develop their oil reserves.
Yet, he and the Democrats are against developing our own oil and natural gas resources. The president’s clean and renewable energy initiative and green jobs program advocate technologies still in the early stages of development. At best, they may provide solutions
in the long term, but offer no significant relief to our current energy problems.
The United States has been blessed with many natural resources. Recent discoveries of oil and natural gas reserves hold great promise for our future energy needs. The president says he is concerned about stimulating and growing our sluggish economy.
If he is truly concerned, he will lift the oppressive restrictions on the energy industry and replace them with reasonable regulations and standards. This will allow the growth of the industry and its supporting industries resulting in job creation, increased tax revenues, and truly stimulate our economy and economic growth.
Growth in other sectors of the economy is sure to follow.
We call upon the president and the members of Congress for legislation favorable to energy development and production and to invest our tax money domestically with the goal of ENERGY INDEPENDENCE.