National Energy Security Act of 2009
Because much of our economy still runs on oil, we are dangerously vulnerable to the ability of those countries that may disrupt that energy supply. Senator Dorgan believes this is a critical issue for our national security, and that we need to take bold and immediate action to address this problem.
That's why he and Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) introduced the National Energy Security Act of 2009. The legislation aims to take innovative steps to reduce the U.S. economy's dependence on foreign oil. This legislation builds on Senator Dorgan's efforts from 2007 legislation that he introduced that, among other benefits, made important strides to increase vehicle fuel economy standards and to expand the production of biofuels.
NESA would reach this energy security goal by encouraging production of more fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, increasing development of domestic energy resources, and strengthening America's energy infrastructure. The Dorgan bill would implement policies to keep our economy and our nation strong and secure as we transition to a new energy economy.
NESA addresses five major areas that will help transition the nation away from an oil based economy:
Expanding and upgrading our domestic electricity transmission grid.
We have significant natural resources in this country that we can harness for our energy needs. But our electricity transmission grid is out of date and we lack the transmission capacity to get our power to the market.
For example, in North Dakota, we produce more energy than t we need, and we have only begun to tap into our ability to produce energy from coal, oil, wind, biomass, and other fuel sources.
NESA will help clear the way for the modernization of our energy grid so we can replace foreign energy with domestic energy that keeps our country strong.
Electrifying and expanding production and use of vehicles.
Many things have changed since Henry Ford built his first car more than a century ago, but one feature remains constant: You put fuel in the gas tank the same way.
Our vehicles are overly dependent on petroleum, and we need to move aggressively to increase fuel efficiency and develop vehicles that run on biofuels, electricity, and other fuel sources.
This legislation would establish a series of targeted steps and incentives that will put us on a path toward the electrification and diversification of our transportation system.
Promoting development of renewable and fossil energy resources here at home.
Senator Dorgan believes we need to expand development of our domestic renewable, oil and natural gas resources.
This bill would require a targeted inventory of our oil resources, open new areas in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, allow U.S. companies access to Cuban waters, improve coordination for the permitting in Alaska and more.
But we cannot drill our way out of this problem. This bill also includes robust funding and incentives for development of renewable energy in this country.
Building a new workforce for our new energy industry.
This bill includes funding to establish programs and scholarships to help attract our best and brightest students to industry to build a workforce to meet today and tomorrow's energy needs.
Understanding the global consequences of our energy choices.
The choices we make in our energy industry have ripple effects that extend around the world. NESA calls for studies to understand the effects of foreign fuel subsidies that impact the price and supply globally.
