Jane Harman: “America is at a crossroads: We can either perpetuate our energy dependence on oil, or we can start taking the necessary…”

“America is at a crossroads: We can either perpetuate our energy dependence on oil, or we can start taking the necessary steps to develop alternative and renewable energy sources, and wean our Nation off oil. Sadly, Congress has failed to recognize the urgency of America's energy crisis and will vote today to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Increased drilling for limited quantities of an unsustainable resource in the ANWR is not the answer to America's energy problems, and I oppose this shortsighted legislation. We cannot depend on this ``quick fix'' to solve a calamity whose ramifications reach far beyond the gas pump. The Bush administration claims that tapping this oil reserve will cause prices to fall, but the simple reality is that it will take years before oil from the ANWR actually makes it to a barrel. Even then, there is not enough oil in the ANWR to reduce our dependence on foreign sources. Instead, Congress must focus on promoting alternative fuels, clean energy technologies, fuel cells, micro turbines, hybrid (electric) engines and bio-fuels. California and the South Bay are extremely well- positioned to lead in developing these alternatives. While renewable and alternative fuels are the future, the time to act is now. There is no reason to take a step backwards by drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.”