President Bush has made a comprehensive, long-term energy policy top priority.

In his first term, substantial funding provided increased energy efficiency in American homes and improved fuel economy for automobiles.

Last year, a bill was passed to reorganize the electricity system and make $15 billion in energy-related tax incentives available. It also supports the use of alternative energy and calls for utilities to increase their independence on renewable fuels.

In his second term, President Bush will help to reduce American’s dependence on foreign sources of energy. To do this, he seeks to initiate environmentally safe exploration and production in only 1 percent of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Just 1 percent could provide up to 1 million barrels a day for almost 20 years.

John Kerry claims he wants to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but repeatedly votes against ANWR exploration. Former Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles, a Democrat, disagrees and supports “… responsible development of the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for exploration and potential production of oil and gas …” Louisiana Rep. Chris John, also a Democrat, says, “Is there not going to be one blade of grass that will not be adversely affected?

The answer is no, but you have to balance that with the need out there and the vulnerability we have from the importation of crude oil from very unstable countries.” (www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5395869/) President Bush will continue his commitment by providing $2 billion to develop clean coal technologies and implement a market-based approach to cutting air pollution, creating a nearly $50 billion technology and services market for clean coal. He will continue his $1.7 billion, five-year initiative to develop hydrogen technologies, including vehicles and homes powered by hydrogen fuel cells with virtually no pollution.

President Bush will dedicate research funding to increase America’s energy security, therefore advancing and promoting clean energy resources from renewable sources and developing the next generation of energy-efficient technologies.

For more information, check out www.GeorgeWBush.com or attend our meetings at 8 p.m. Thursdays in the UC.