How does Obama's energy policy differ from Bush's in 2006?

Interesting comparison on where Obama stands on energy. He's running his campaign on this energy policy, which many Americans should remember from 2006 and 2007 - it's almost identical to George W. Bush's!

Obama's energy goals, taken right from his website:

1. Reduce the Burden of Rising Gas Prices on Working Families
2. Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
3. Invest in a Clean Energy Future
4. Support Next Generation Biofuels
5. Set America on Path to Oil Independence
6. Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030
7. Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change

Source: www.barackobama.com...

Bush (in 2006):

Keeping America competitive requires reliable, affordable, and clean supplies of energy.

Sounds like #3 above

Over the past five years, my Administration has taken steps to increase the domestic supply of energy, including alternative and renewable sources.

We will also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn, but from wood chips, stalks, or switch grass.

Like #4 above, introduction of Ethanol

By 2017, the renewable fuel and fuel efficiency components of the plan would cut annual emissions from cars and light trucks by as much as 10 percent, about 175 million metric tons – equal to zeroing out the annual emissions of 26 million automobiles.

The plan could cumulatively prevent the buildup of more than 600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Sounds like #2 above

For the sake of our economic and national security, we must reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy – including on the natural gas that is a source of electricity for many American homes and the crude oil that supplies gasoline for our cars. To achieve this objective, we will take advantage of technology. My Advanced Energy Initiative provides for a 22-percent increase in funding for clean-energy technology research at the Department of Energy.

Just like #5 above

To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy. To change how we power our automobiles, we will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen.

Sound familiar to Barack Obama's mantra of pushing for alternative sources of energy?

We have also worked to improve energy efficiency and to make our energy infrastructure more secure and reliable.

Like #6 above, except the link provided below goes into great detail about how this efficiency can be achieved.

As for reducing the burden of rising gas prices, the only way this can happen is to reduce demand. Once the price gets too high, demand drops off and the price goes down, just like we are seeing now. I honestly don't see how Obama plans on reducing the burden of rising fuel costs on families. He says he's all for another round of tax rebates, or the idea has come up to give taxpayers like $1,000 taken from a tax on oil companies. Bad idea for two reasons - 1. You're subsidizing fuel with that money and increasing demand which will increase the price; 2. Oil companies will raise prices to compensate for the tax.

And on climate change??? Give me a break! We can't even get scientists to agree or deny that global warming is caused by car emissions or is a part of a natural cycle.

So given this info, Obama isn't introducing anything new with his energy policy! In this way, he's more like Bush than people say he is!

Source: www.whitehouse.gov...

and

www.whitehouse.gov...

I see the point you are making. They do sound similar but we are dealing with politicians. What get me is how everything is so vague.

How is he going to reduce gas prices?

Can he guarantee me we will reduce carbon emission by 80%?

How does he define clean energy and will the investment payout dividends to the average American or corporations?

What does he mean by support Next Generation BioFuels?

How will he set path to oil Independence?

Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030 - What is the 50% based on ?

Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change- Are we joining the Kyoto treaty or how will he restore leadership.


However, this is my biggest complaint-

Why on earth do we Americans have to wait for him to get elected in order for him implement his plan?

As a current US Senator, with the power to legislate, he should have been in Congress helping to pass a much needed meaningful long-term energy bill since the first day he started running for President.


Americans are struggling with high prices and he says wait till I am elected. That shows me how much he really cares about the average American.

Obama ripped off Bush's 2006 State of The Union address, while at the same time whining about "the failed policies of the Bush administration". I hope McCain calls him on it. I hate duplicity, especially from our "messiahs".

One thing that Pelosi and Obama support, that Bush didn't, was to release some of the strategic reserves. Bad idea, like eating your seed corn.