AMAC: We need a new energy policy

WASHINGTON - Feb. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- “The U.S. sits on what is perhaps the biggest cache of oil and gas in the world, yet we cry poverty.  It’s about time we use the resources God gave us to pull ourselves out of the hole we are in,” according to Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens.

Weber said he believes the federal government needs to reconsider its “green agenda” in the light of the technological progress the energy sector has made in the development of clean recovery systems.

“It’s not only about jobs.  Indeed, North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 2.6% and for five years in a row has ranked number one in job creation in the U.S. due entirely to the million barrels of oil a day it is producing on private lands.  But consider the fact that if we were to fully develop our vast national resources, it would have a profound, positive impact on the economy in general.”

Worker compensation in North Dakota has soared as a result of the energy boom in the state.  “As Senator Ted Cruz noted in announcing his proposed American Energy Renaissance Act this week, those employed in the oil and gas industry there earn $49.90 an hour, Wal-Mart is paying workers at their stores $17.50 an hour and McDonalds offers $300 sign-up bonuses to new hires at their stores.”

Cruz did not miss the opportunity to call on President Obama to approve the Keystone Pipeline.  “If you are a Birkenstock-wearing, tree-hugging, Greenpeace activist, you should love the Keystone Pipeline.”  He pointed out that not only would it create many new high-paying jobs, it would provide a safer option for transporting oil from Canada, a reference to the dangers of moving the oil by rail.

Weber concluded that “a lot has happened in the past decade to improve energy development prospects for the country.  Oil and gas exploration and recovery are safer for the environment than ever before and it will save our bacon as far as economic growth is concerned.  Creation of alternative fuels is a commendable goal, but it will take decades to become a reality—time we can’t afford while there are so many people out of work, while our national debt soars unchecked, while our economy is in dire need of a jump start.  It’s time that we begin to ‘think bigger than Keystone,’ as Ted Cruz put it.”

NOTE TO EDITORS: Dan Weber is available for telephone interviews on this issue.  Editors and reporters may contact John Grimaldi by phone at 917-846-8485 or via email at jpgrimaldi@verizon.net to set up a call.

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The Association of Mature American Citizens [http://www.amac.us] is a vibrant, vital and conservative alternative to those organizations, such as AARP, that dominate the choices for mature Americans who want a say in the future of the nation.  Where those other organizations may boast of their power to set the agendas for their memberships, AMAC takes its marching orders from its members.  We act and speak on their behalf, protecting their interests, and offering a conservative insight on how to best solve the problems they face today.  Live long and make a difference by joining us today at http://amac.us/join-amac.