Energy Policy

From T. Boone Pickens, one of the greatest oil men of our time:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121556087828237463.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

Edit/Couple excerpts:
Today, we import almost 70% of our oil. The U.S. uses nearly a quarter of the world's oil, with just 4% of the population and 3% of the world's reserves. This year, we will spend almost $700 billion on imported oil, which is more than four times the annual cost of our current war in Iraq.
Put simply, our economic engine is now 70% dependent on the energy resources of other countries, their good judgment, and most importantly, their good will toward us.
Consider this: The world produces about 85 million barrels of oil a day, but global demand now tops 86 million barrels a day.
I want to reduce America's foreign oil imports by more than one-third in the next five to 10 years. How will we do it? We'll start with wind power. Wind is 100% domestic, it is 100% renewable and it is 100% clean. Department of Energy issued a study that stated that the U.S. has the capacity to generate 20% of its electricity supply from wind by 2030. I think we can do this or even more, but we must do it quicker. Today, natural gas accounts for about 22% of our electricity generation in the U.S. We can use new wind capacity to free up the natural gas for use as a transportation fuel. That would displace more than one-third of our foreign oil imports.
With eight million natural-gas-powered vehicles on the road world-wide, the technology already exists to rapidly build out fleets of trucks, buses and even cars using natural gas as a fuel. Of these eight million vehicles, the U.S. has a paltry 150,000 right now.
I believe my plan can be accomplished within 10 years if this country takes decisive and bold steps immediately. It will be accomplished solely through private investment with no new consumer or corporate taxes or government regulation.
The future begins as soon as Congress and the president act.

Which candidate jumps at this energy plan quickest? Can even Pres. Bush look at this plan and get with Congress about enacting this? If someone doesn't see this as a sound, well thought out energy plan, well, good luck...

I would add that it is better than anything we're currently being offered by our government (no drilling; too much corn ethanol without the market using it; where is the solar and wind? nuclear?) and would take a lot less time before we saw results.

Edit/Add-On (does either party listen?):
From Mr. Petrowski, president of Gulf Oil
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121564783168740955.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

A couple excerpts:
To Democrats:
The claim that the oil companies are sitting on leases and not drilling defies all logic. With oil at $135 per barrel and drilling rigs renting at $300,000 per day, there are no idle rigs anywhere.
Unlike past oil crises, where the spot price of oil (that is, today's price) rose more than forward prices, the oil price for delivery in 2012 is trading at $138 per barrel.
It is anticipation of ever-increasing prices that fuels the mania.
As forward prices decline, watch how quickly the spot price comes down.

To Republicans:
It is scandalous that we have let the mileage standards decrease over the past 25 years. Whether through mandates or tax policy, active government intervention is needed. Republicans have to stop acting as if the "market" is some pristine state of nature that is not subject to active shaping.
The latest farm bill, ethanol and sugar tariffs, the cost of the Iraq war and Bear Stearns all make that reasoning ring hollow.
Finally, can we stop with the nonsensical talk of "energy independence," the end of petroleum, and postured, ineffectual boycotts of Exxon Mobil? We cannot, should not and will not be independent in a global economy, and petroleum is not going to disappear.

Using market mechanisms and the private sector (admit it, Democrats) alongside an engaged, effective and focused government (admit it, Republicans), true leaders can solve this crisis decisively.