RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is committed to the long term energy stability of our nation; and

WHEREAS, energy independence affects many of the largest issues of our day including global warming, domestic security, domestic spending, and financial system integrity; and

WHEREAS, the current reality of our foreign oil dependence has created an intolerable situation of the following:

• The U.S. will spend over $700 billion to import oil in 2008,
• The U.S. consumes 25% of the world’s oil for 4% of the world’s population
• Optimistic projections place domestic reserves of oil at 4 billion barrels,
• The U.S. uses 21 million barrels of oil per day, domestic supply will meet 96 days,
• The U.S. imports 70% of the oil used each year,
• At current trends, the U.S. will spend $10 trillion on foreign oil over 10 years; and

WHEREAS, building “green” infrastructure here would be good for our ‘emerging’ economies by building upon the more certain return of alternative energy commodities as well as have a further positive affect on the economy by creating millions of “green” jobs; and

WHEREAS, the use of fossil fuels has contributed to environmental dangers such as global warming, which has undoubtedly changed our natural environment; and

WHEREAS, the United States’ dependency on foreign oil has created serious security concerns as the political situation surrounding oil-rich countries is unstable; and

WHEREAS, the high cost of oil has caused wide spread inflation, which contributes to our economic downturn; and

WHEREAS, a crucial aspect of any plan should include conservation on a large scale; and

WHEREAS, alternative energy sources can be developed domestically that are both better for the environment and our economy; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators calls on Congress to fund research and development to build new technologies that can fulfill our energy needs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL calls on Congress to further fund energy conservation programs like Weatherization Assistance Grants, and other energy efficiency and conservation efforts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL calls on Congress to make energy independence a top priority and that the President make it a part of his “100 Days Agenda;” and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL members will commit to introducing legislation in their states that aids in the deployment of alternative energy production and transmission; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be dispatched to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, Members of Congress, House and Senate Leadership, and other elected officials as appropriate.

Sponsor(s): Rep. Barbara Ballard (KS), Rep. Jewell Williams (PA), Rep. Ullyses Jones (TN), Sen. Hillman Frazier (MS), Rep. Barbara Boyd (AL)
Committee of Jurisdiction: Committee on Energy, Transportation and the Environment
Certified by Committee Chair: Representative Bill Crawford (IN)
Ratified in Plenary Session; Ratification Date: December 12, 2008
Ratification Certified by: Representative Calvin Smyre (GA), President