The Republican and Democratic Views on Current Energy Policy

Abstract
The issue of alternative energy is becoming more crucial each year. We rely on the presence of fossil fuels as the foundation of our economy. However, there is good news; both the Republican and Democratic parties both see this as an issue of concern. Republicans favor the use of nuclear energy which is considered to be one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. While the Democrats believe that nuclear energy is a risky alternative. They believe that in order for alternative energy to be properly researched, there must be a national energy tax (“Energy Independence,” 2009, para. 3).
Expository on Energy Policy
On June 12, 2009 H.R 2846 was introduced to congress, the bill was titled “The American Energy Act.” The mission of the proposal is, “To increase energy independence and job creation by increasing safe American energy production, encouraging the development of alternative and renewable energy, and promoting greater efficiencies and conservation for a cleaner environment”(2009, p.2). One of the more controversial parts of the bill is centered on the use of nuclear technology. However, the problem is not using nuclear energy; rather it is what to do with the byproduct In Section 403 of the bill, it states that, “The high-level nuclear waste repository site at Yucca Mountain shall remain the site for the Nation’s nuclear waste repository” (2009, p.138). To some, this does not seem like a permanent solution to the waste product because the Yucca Mountain repository can only hold so much. Even though the repository is supposed to sustain the waste for thousands of years, who is to tell whether or not this is the case. Another highlight of the bill, regarding Arizona residents, is the mining of uranium. As reported by the bill, “The Arizona strip region, located in Utah-Arizona border region, is estimated to contain a resource endowment of 375,000,000 pounds of uranium oxide” (2009, p.133).
The Democratic Party also has its views on how energy policy should be dealt with; they call their approach “Energy Independence.” The proposal is designed to make America the leader in alternative energy, and the greatest exporters of cleaner energy solutions. Not only is Energy Independence designed as a greener approach, they also claim , “We Democrats commit to fast-track investment of billions of dollars over the next ten years to establish a green energy sector that will create up to five million jobs” (“Energy Independence,”2009, para.3). In other words, in order for this speedy recovery program to work, Americans are going to have to pay a national energy tax for the next ten years. Another point that the Democrats make is to help those of the middle and low class. To do this they claim, “We will help those who are hit hardest by high energy prices by increasing funding for low-income heating assistance and weatherization programs” (2009, para.5) This is a bold step in gaining voter’s support because they stress the fact that funding will be provided without putting stress on those who are unable to pay.
Although both of these measures have their disadvantages, it is only a matter of time before we have to start really looking for an alternative energy source. Both seek to create Americans with employment and guarantee that productions will be used to help strengthen the American economy. Nuclear energy is a possibility; however there is no guarantee as to how long the Yucca Mountain repository can contain the constant flow of waste. Also, who is going to pay the most for the Democrats plan of a speedy reform through a national tax? These are both important questions to consider before any policy can be implemented.







Bibliography
Democratic National Committee. Energy Independence. Retrieved from
http://dnc.org/a/national/american_dream/economy/energy/
Republican National Committee. H.R 2846 The American Energy Act [Bill].
Retrieved from http://www.gop.gov/energy