An open letter to the president

President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President,

Next to acts of terrorism and the prosecution of the war in Iraq, energy heads the list of critical issues facing the United States.
Economically, energy itself is the lifeblood of America, as you well know. Imports have now reached 60 percent of our energy needs. The ever-increasing prices of oil and the risks involved with our suppliers threaten the very economy you have so ably regenerated.
Heaven forbid, but in the event of another terrorist attack on American soil, coupled with this escalating energy crisis, the people of America would suffer major psychological damage.
You have the constitutional right and the power [Codified by U.S. Code: Title 50, Chapter 35, Section 1701 (a) and (b)] to take an action this nation so desperately needs – the Declaration of a National Emergency by the President of the United States for the purpose of solving America’s energy problems.
The Attorney General can produce a finding – a finding that would “constitute a clear and present danger to the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the United States.”
Evidence to produce such a finding is everywhere abundant. For example: (1) the rising energy crisis which could and would cause the United States to deplete its emergency oil reserves to meet public demands; (2) the rising cost of crude oil, topping $54 per barrel, under the control of a cartel composed of real and potential enemies; (3) the imminent threat of out-of-control inflation brought on by uncontrollable rising fuel costs as in the Carter Administration of the late 1970s which caused a severe world recession and double digit unemployment at home; (4) the possibility of a complete cut-off of Middle East oil would turn a crisis into a disaster, (5) America’s desperate need to utilize its own energy resources to make itself totally self-sufficient; (6) at present, the above reasons pose an imminent threat that could cause severe damage to the national economy, which is beginning a substantial recovery.
In addition, there would be a question as to whether America had the natural resources to wage a war and successfully fight terrorism at home and abroad.
It is my sincere belief that the spirit of the loyal American people will be energized by such a bold action.
The U.S. citizens will welcome the announcement that a national emergency enables the President of the United States to open previous Presidential set asides such as ANWAR in Alaska, offshore drilling in Florida, mining rights of the Escalante Staircase in Utah, to name a few.
Presidents Carter and Clinton set aside millions of acres of critically needed energy producing areas in North America which could now become available.
In addition, the President can authorize the re-introduction of atomic energy with construction of new atomic energy plants around the nation. (After all, France uses atomic energy to produce 75 percent of its electrical needs, while little Lithuania produces some 90 percent of its electrical needs.)
New electrical power lines could be constructed and old ones upgraded to reinforce our failing power grid which has caused such disastrous blackouts in the past.
New oil refineries could be built on existing sites to expand our much needed refining capacity.
Pipeline right-of-ways could be cleared for the transport of the petroleum products to market, thereby eliminating much of the environmental risk of transport by water. Negotiations with Canada can be reopened to extend pipelines through that nation into the United States.
And finally, a temporary suspension of the Endangered Species Act would remove other unnecessary obstacles to the energy independence of America.

COSTS:

The good news is that the costs (accompanied by a few tax incentives) will be borne by America’s powerful free enterprise system, not by direct taxation of the American citizens.
The petroleum industry and its shareholders (a cross-section of America) will finance exploration, production and refining of fuels that eventually will bring the cost of gasoline at the pump to a figure less than half of the cost today.
The powerful utilities industry along with their shareholders will finance the rebirth of atomic energy plants and provide the necessary power grid which will eventually reduce the electricity bill to American householders by substantial percentages.
Pipeline companies and consortia, alike with shareholders, will build the necessary petroleum transport to the refineries and markets.

BENEFITS:

The national economy will receive a substantial boost. Employment overall will increase by hundreds of thousands.
Suppliers to all the companies involved in energy production cross the spectrum of American business. Each is a profit center. Increased profits produce increased taxes to the U.S. Treasury.
The billions of dollars expensed in the purchase of imported crude oil will come as income to American free enterprise.
The balance of payments will be improved substantially.
And finally, the oil money that the U.S. has provided to the Middle East nations, some of which has financed terrorism against us, will dry up.
And finally, Mr. President, your demonstrated courage will carry the day.

Your obedient servant,

E. Ralph Hostetter