U.S. energy policy outdated

It is time that we, as responsible citizens, lead the way and ask that our representatives begin demanding the use of clean and sustainable energy.

Recently, Congressman Randy Hultgren offered a poll through his website asking his constituents if they were concerned about rising gas prices. Not surprisingly, a large majority responded yes. He also recently spoke on the House floor calling for an increase in domestic energy production, which is his simple answer for lowering the price at the pump.

Of course, all Americans are concerned about rising gas prices because they not only affect a person’s finances each time they fill up their vehicle but by higher food and housing costs. In both instances, the congressman failed to address the fact gas prices are not only affected by simple supply and demand but also by Wall Street speculation, uncertainty in world events, and an increase in automobile drivers in countries such as India and China.

Our local and national representatives need to understand that our country is never going to solve this issue by relying on an outdated energy policy where taxpayer subsidized oil companies are allowed to drill in our national parks, in our waters or maybe even in our town. This issue is even more disheartening when considering that our country’s number one export is currently ... gasoline.

Bill Malecki

Geneva