Energy Summit
I recently hosted a town hall/summit on energy. As Tom Kuhlman said in a comment, we must drill for oil in ANWR, the gulf, in Oil Shale, Nuclear Power, and yes, alternatives. He is right and will start that bandwagon this week when I introduce legislation allowing the President to bypass regulation on oil shale development and begin extracting oil from shale this year. The Western Caucus, which I chair, is also near to introducing a comprehensive energy plan that includes all of the measures Tom and others suggest. The recent summit received great coverage in the Richfield Reaper and can be read here. As the article points out,
Utah could play a major role in creating energy independence for the U.S., but environmental restrictions are going to be one of the hardest hurdles to overcome, Hartley said. More than 60 percent of land that has potential for energy resource development in Utah is closed…
This is what my legislation will bypass. That is just the beginning. We need to start defeating Democrats who will vote against this legislation. My opponent could have taken a great step forward for american energy if he would have taken on Rep. Matheson. Instead, I will have to deal with 2 yes and 1 continuing NO vote on energy independence in Congress. Perhaps he can run against Mr. Matheson in 2010 since my opponent declares he will “never move” to the 3rd District.
June 5th, 2008 at 7:08 am
What draws me to Jason?
1) His consistency. For months his message has been focused, unwaivering, clear.
He has been true to the ideal of fiscal discipline in the management of his campaign.
2) His understanding of the Constitution and the core role of government.
3) His ability to break each issue down—then take a position that is consistent with and is based on the most basic Republican values.
4) His ability to communicate effectively with people either one-one-one or in groups.
5) His willingness to state his position boldly, even when it is plain that someone in the audience (or even much of the audience) may disagree. His answers are shaped by his beliefs and his knowledge, not by what someone wants to hear.
6) He is hard-working and seriously focused, yet doesn’t treat people as if he is better than they are.
7) He listens.
9) He is organized and effective, which will translate to his ability to sit in Congress.
10) I haven’t yet seen anything that disappoints or softens my my original to vote for him and work for his election.
I could easily expand any of these reasons, but want to hear from others. Go Jason!
June 5th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Living 2 miles outside of the district boundaries, while still in Utah county, makes not one iota of difference to me. I also lived in Alpine and certainly considered myself part of Utah county. I did my shopping, eating out, playing, schooling for kids, all in Utah county. I totally support Jason in saying it would be dumb for him to move, just to have the lines redrawn in a couple of years. Northern Utah county was gerrymandered into Matheson’s district to try and get a Republican elected, but in my mind, it’s still part of my community of Utah-county-ites. It’s just a non-issue, Mr. Cannon.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Couldn’t agree with you more. This post by Chris Cannon is a case of too little too late. Way too little, and far too late.
It is time for a leader like Jason Chaffetz.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Agreed. We’ve been sitting on the energy problem for a long time. The best time to act is yesterday. The next best time is today.
June 7th, 2008 at 6:56 am
WHY are we still talking oil?! When I look at politicians these day I see too many chickens running oround with no heads, flapping their wings and still going now where.
Why aren’t we building millions of acres of wind farms right here in our state!
Why don’t we have millions of acres of solar panels! We certanly have the room.
Green energy is right infront of our faces, but the politicians still want more oil!!!! It seems there isn’t anyone brave enough to move in a new and better direction, to free us from oil dependence, and do it NOW! These available powers should have been in place years ago. I guess courage and vision are not potitical qualities anymore.