Following the 1973 Arab oil embargo, the idea of energy independence captured the imagination of the American people. Then during the 1980's, the accumulative effect of increased automobile fuel efficiency combined with increased global oil production created a surplus of oil on the world market. As a result, the price of oil dropped back below pre-1973 levels and America’s enthusiasm for energy independence faded into memory. Now, more than thirty years after the oil embargo, re-awakened by the terrorist attack on 9/11 and war in the Middle East, the idea of American energy independence has returned with a vengeance, becoming a powerful force shaping the political views of a new generation of Americans.

The 1973 Arab oil embargo interrupted the flow of oil causing severe gasoline shortages and long lines at gas stations. The embargo exposed America's growing oil dependence and gave the American people their first warning of the price they would pay for continued dependence on imported oil. The 1979 Iranian revolution interrupted the flow of oil again - this was the second warning, signaling the urgent need for American Energy Independence. The 1991 Persian Gulf War was a military intervention to stop one dictator from taking control of Middle East oil - this was the third and most severe warning. Failure to make energy independence the nation’s highest priority after the Gulf War demonstrated that the United States did not have the political will to free itself from dependence on foreign oil. September 11, 2001 was a preview of America's future - one possible future.

America stands at a crossroad, a choice between two very different futures. One choice leads to increased dependence on foreign oil and a future dominated by terrorism and war. The other choice leads to American energy independence and a world economy that is no longer desperate for oil. I would like to explore all of the possibilities available at our disposal to rid the U.S. from our foreign dependence on oil. This is in our national best interest at this point in time. We must become energy independent, or risk a huge transfer of wealth to countries that want to harm and destroy the “American” way of life. Some of the available options includes among others: drilling offshore, nuclear energy, natural gas, wind and solar. I believe that a combination of these options, along with incentives, and legislation is the key to renewing America’s energy needs for the years to come.