Political Quotes

“We met with business people, governments, and with academicians from around the world; and it does not seem that this is something that should be beyond our capacity. First, the simple fact is that the future of energy in some way is going to deal with solar energy. In 1 hour, the sun radiates as much energy as the world consumes in a year with all of its fossil fuels. Being able to advance the technology, which is moving forward, to be able to harness virtually an unlimited supply of energy for the Earth's needs seems to be a top priority. We had advocated, all of us in the U.S. delegation, Members of Congress from both parties, suggested there be one simple step, that when we have all of these export credit agencies, OPEC, the World Bank, Ex-Im, that there be a commitment that 10 percent of the energy facilities be renewables. We could do that with the stroke of a pen. It would move forward, help jump-start this. Sadly, that was resisted. The goal of 15 percent by 2015 seems to be within our grasp if we use opportunities like this. But both gentlemen have been talking about United States leadership. I am frustrated that the United States steps back and uses excuses in lieu of leadership. In that session that the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen) chaired, there was a minister from India, and we point out that the United States consumes 36 times the energy and has 36 times the greenhouse gas emissions than the average Indian.”