Florida's Second Congressional District

New Solutions       New Direction      New Hope

Explore offshore drilling     

 Explore drilling in ANWR    

Explore nuclear power options     

Explore solar, wind  and hydrogen     

 Explore all new energy innovations    

Hydrogen Powered Truck

Central Phoenix Technical High School - Student Test Vehicle 

The vehicle above uses solar panels to create electricity to convert water into hydrogen.  The solar system can be taken off the vehicle and placed in a backyard.  The process of filling the hydrogen tanks is as simple as filling your tires with air.  The exhaust from this vehicle is pure water.  Most any vehicle can be converted to run on hydrogen.

Energy independence is a primary goal of mine.  The Untied States is an enormous consumer of energy which has caused “fueling the future” to become a major national issue of great concern.  This is a very important topic that takes into account many economic variables that our country must carefully analyze in an effort to stabilize and secure our nation’s future.   Energy independence can translate into more jobs by revitalizing our diminishing industrial sector if we take more aggressive action to implement innovative technologies.  Converting to hydrogen, natural gas, solar, and wind is the energy foundation of the future. However, we need to explore all over our coal, petroleum and nuclear options in the process of becoming energy independent. 

On May 15, 2008 differences were resolved for H.R. 2419: Food and Energy Security Act of 2007, passed through the Senate and awaits a signature from the President.  Portions of this bill offer tax credits for residential and business that create electricity from wind power (Part I  -- Sec. 12301),   and several tax credit provisions involving production of cellulosic biofuel, ethanol, biodiesel, renewables, and alternative fuels (Parts  II, III, and IV).

Although these measures are a step in the right direction, much more effort is needed if we are going  to replace oil in a “big way.”  Placing the responsibility on farmers to produce crops to make fuel is an interesting and a sincere effort,  however,  has its limitations.  For example,  as farms use more land to grow corn to make ethanol,  reports have found that this is causing an increase in food prices.  Also, reports indicate the emissions for ethanol are more harmful to humans than emissions form gasoline, and the rate of return on making ethanol from corn is only 15%. 

I would propose and support legislation that would take a stronger stance on energy independence that would offer a wider range of incentives for those entities investing the necessary capital for research and develop.  Businesses that agree to take advantage of the tax credits must  hire legal workers and derive most, if not all, of their material and supplies from domestic sources.  In other words, out-sourcing would be prohibited for those entities taking advantage of energy related incentives offered by our government. 

The first step to addressing energy independence is to make an assessment of our country’s energy sources - domestic and imports.  Below is a snap shot of  the sources of  energy that we are dependent on.  Please evaluate to begin understanding the magnitude of what we must do to become more energy independent.

I agree that we must start drilling offshore for oil at a reasonable and safe distance from the coastline.  The government of Mexico already has a very active oil drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico, and the U.S. should participate.

I agree to drilling in ANWR.  It is often stated that drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has been considered a political football ever since the days of the false oil shortages in the late 1970's.   Experts suggest that drilling for oil in ANWR would only provide our country a 15 to 20 year oil supply if used to offset our dependency at a rate of  5%  per year.  Hypothetically, if the oil in ANWR was used at full capacity (supplying 100% of our needs),  the supply would only last for approximately 400 days. Nevertheless, we must continue to explore this option.  

Below is a chart that describes the United States import status of crude oil and petroleum.

Source: Energy Information Administration.

In an effort to offset the emissions from coal burning electrical production some innovators have suggested placing aquatic algae ponds next to the power stations.  The carbon dioxide exhaust can be pumped to feed the algae, which would result in a very rich form of biodiesel.  

The last nuclear power plant to be built started construction in March of 1977 in the state of  Louisiana. The last plant to come online was in the state of Tennessee in 1996.  France derives over 75% of its electricity from nuclear and reports indicate that 70% of the population has a favorable opinion of nuclear energy.  The problem with going nuclear in the United States will be the NIMBY laws, an acronym for “not in my backyard.”    If the United States is going to replace oil in a big way, we should investigate nuclear energy very closely.

Below is a chart that shows the top uranium reserves in the world and the top uranium producing countries.

Bulk hydrogen is best created by an extraction process from hydrocarbon fossil fuels.  Although this process is 80% efficient the down side is that it produces greenhouse gasses.  Many advances are being made in the area of hydrogen as a fuel source and should be given top consideration in the quest for energy independence. 

Paid for by the Mark Mulligan for Congress Committee