Energy Independence

Marina Kats ardently believes America’s comprehensive energy policy must achieve independence from oil imports as soon as possible, for this constitutes a national security emergency. By substantially increasing our domestic oil production we will regain control of gasoline pricing as well as a large portion of our economy from the foreign oil producers whose interests are often times diametrically opposed to those of the United States and our closest allies. A practical energy policy must include further exploration and drilling of our domestic oil and natural gas reserves. There is no easier or more direct way to prove to the world that we will no longer be subject to the whims of others than to expand our production capabilities. We have trillions of dollars worth of oil and gas reserves in the U.S. at a time we are exporting hundreds of billions of dollars a year overseas to buy energy. This is the largest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind. We should keep more of our dollars here in the U.S., lessen our foreign dependency, increase our domestic supplies, and reduce our trade deficit - 41% of which is due to oil imports. A long range objective of the comprehensive energy policy will be to develop viable alternative energy sources such as; wind, solar, hydrogen cells, and bio fuels. Marina believes that it would not be a reasonable policy to allow our dependence on foreign fuel sources to continue to grow without limit especially in light of the most recent developments in our relationship with Russia.

Marina is in favor of preserving our environment and she understands that domestic oil exploration can be accomplished using new eco-friendly methods to drill. Modern technologies allow crude oil extraction to be accomplished proficiently and in an ecologically-safe fashion, rendering this process efficient and environmentally-friendly. The ecological impact of the Alaskan pipeline has been minimal; similar or even better results could be obtained in ANWR. Harvesting reserves in ANWR is feasible and such drilling would benefit America without harming the ecology. A harmonious relationship can be developed between the local ecology and the needs of our economy. Marina would also like to have a significant portion of the monies obtained from the ANWR oil production used for ecological preservation projects in that region as well as being used to perfect our drilling technology for future explorations.

Marina Kats also supports offshore drilling. The rigs in the Gulf of Mexico have weathered many hurricanes with very few incidents of any note. It can be done safely, and it should be permitted. She fully recognizes the urgent need to drill as soon as possible, at as many locations as is feasible.

In her opinion our shale-oil reserves, such as in Colorado, should also be developed.

Marina Kats wants to put significant resources into the development of alternative fuel source technologies such as solar, wind, bio,  and geothermal. She would like to see individual homeowners given tax-incentives to install solar-panels or even wind turbines to supplement their use of public utility energy sources. In support of these efforts she will work to obtain R&D funding for local companies focused on developing feasible alternative fuels and the related technologies required to integrate these new energy sources into our society.

In summary Marina Kats supports efforts to:

• Increase the production of American-made energy in an environmentally-safe way (including drilling off-shore and in ANWAR).
• Increase use of nuclear energy.
• Increase and upgrade the petroleum refining industry.
• Develop new, clean, and reliable sources of energy, such as solar-power.
• Cut red tape and burdensome regulations that restrict production and drive up prices
• Achieve greater energy efficiency and encourage conservation.
• Provide tax-incentives towards purchase of hybrid automobiles.