Copyright 2000 The Buffalo News
The Buffalo News
July 17, 2000, Monday, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: VIEWPOINTS, Pg. 3B
LENGTH: 250 words
HEADLINE:
GOP POLICIES DRIVE ENERGY COSTS HIGHER
BODY:
Anger over high gasoline prices has compelled the Republicans and
Democrats to investigate whether oil companies are gouging at the pump. Both
parties want to be seen as consumer advocates. But the Republican Party has a
longer way to go to earn that label.
A sensible consumer-protection
policy would keep energy prices at a reasonable level while helping all users
consume less energy, thus lowering overall energy costs for everyone. But
Republicans in Congress have steadfastly rejected all efforts to improve car and
truck fuel efficiency, even though fuel efficiency
standards have not been raised in 25 years. As a result, Americans have
been paying billions of dollars more for gasoline each year.
The
Republicans have endorsed energy waste as public policy, boosting oil company
profits at the consumers' expense. They have promoted auto industry profiteering
by removing any pressure on manufacturers to develop fuel-efficient vehicles.
And they have consistently blocked federal investments in energy efficiency
while advocating the plundering of the pristine Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge
for more oil.
Efficiency makes more sense than waste from an economic
and environmental point of view. It is time we took the energy issue to the
voting booth. Of course, we also need to take personal responsibility for our
own energy consumption. I keep my gasoline costs down by minimizing unnecessary
driving and by owning a car that gets 40 miles per gallon. ERIN CALA Buffalo
LOAD-DATE: July 19, 2000 
