The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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July 4, 2008

Energy policies should put middle class first

Richard Robbins

MANKATO — George Bush and Dick Cheney made a lot of money in the oil business before they took over the White House, and they will make a lot of money in the oil business after they leave.

So, we shouldn’t expect them to admit to uncomfortable truths, like the fact that oil companies don’t want to drill offshore, in Alaska, and in the shale deposits of the Rocky Mountains so they can sell you $2.00 gasoline.

Rather, Big Oil expects to get a premium price back for what will be so difficult to obtain. This administration has also led oil companies to expect subsidies and tax breaks in the bargain — all while they’re making record profits.

Congressman Tim Walz voted for the CLEAN Energy Act, which rolled back subsidies and tax breaks for oil companies. He supports initiatives to increase our energy independence and to develop innovative technologies that will increase clean and renewable energy production.

After nearly eight years of policies that allowed ExxonMobil to report earnings of $1,300 per second during 2007, according to CNNmoney.com, isn’t it time for middle-class interests to take the front seat again when it comes to energy policy? Walz is already helping to make that happen.



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