Energy news and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

About the Author: Born in Boston, I lived and worked in the D.C. area for a time, but have spent most of my life in Tennessee, where I graduated from the University of Tennessee. My political philosophy could best be described as eclectic, though mostly right of center. Read more from this author

The ridiculous bill we were talking about yesterday, Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008, didn’t make it for a vote thanks to Republicans, who are taking a bit of a ribbing in the mainstream media over it. It was the right move. As we saw yesterday, this bill was nothing but a smokescreen. If Democrats are going to pass new energy legislation, part of the compromise has to be more drilling. For a good roundup of the news surrounding this topic, visit Chamber Post.

Meanwhile, the Chamber is promoting its Institute for 21st Century Energy which has an open letter to the next President and Congress and a petition that involves “The 13 Energy Principles”. These principles are (and below that is a video of the President and CEO of the Chamber speaking on the initiative):

Aggressively Promote Energy Efficiency

Reduce the Environmental Impact of Energy Consumption and Production

Invest in Climate Science to Guide Energy, Economic, and Environmental Policy

Significantly Increase the Funding for Research, Development, and Demonstration of Advanced Clean Energy Technologies

Immediately Expand Domestic Oil and Gas Exploration and Production

Commit to and Expand Nuclear Energy Use

Commit to the Use of Clean Coal

Increase Renewable Sources of Electricity

Transform our Transportation Sector

Modernize and Protect U.S. Energy Infrastructure

Address Critical Shortages of Qualified Energy Professionals

Reduce Overly Burdensome Regulations and Opportunities for Frivolous Litigation