No single solution to energy crisis

Q: What in your estimation is No. 1 thing the United States should do to enhance energy security?

A: You fall into the old trap if you pick one thing — “Tastes great! Less filling!” For Democrats, traditionally, the one thing is increasing CAFE standards. For Republicans, the one thing is drilling. And we say, “No, it’s four things.” What we really want is a commitment to give a little bit on some of the individual interest items, in return for getting the whole package. We want the drillers to accept tighter controls on drilling. But the technology is good, and we think that people have to recognize that drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf is safe. Ethanol is wonderful, but it’s not the whole answer.

Q: But on Capitol Hill, promoting ethanol always seems to be the politically popular answer. Is ethanol the key to our energy security?

A: Like anything else, when you get something that is a part of the solution — which ethanol is — and something that is geared to your constituents, you fall in love with it.

Midland Reporter-Telegram