Reducing energy costs: Think big, start small
Unfortunately, the short-term crunch is just an acute symptom of a problem that will be with us for a long, long time. While prices may dip or spike in a given month, oil will never be cheap again. Over the next 25 years, oil consumption in developing Asian nations will double to 32 million barrels per day — much of it housed in unstable, authoritarian regimes.
From terrorism to democracy promotion to the health of our economy, the answers to our problems all point the same way: away from our addiction to oil and toward a massive investment in new conservation and alternative energy technologies.
There is no better place to start this revolution than with America’s small businesses. That’s why I worked with Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, to do more to help small businesses become energy efficient and develop technologies that put us on a path to energy independence.
We agreed it’s time to act on our recommendations and harness the power of America’s entrepreneurs to change the course of history and put us on the path toward a cleaner, greener future.
The president just signed energy legislation passed by the Democratic Congress that marks the first significant increase in fuel efficiency standards in 30 years. The bill, which also funds alternative energy research and development, contains key provisions that empower small businesses.
To help companies develop and purchase energy-efficient technologies, the bill lowers fees on government-backed, low-interest loans; it requires the government to provide information essential to helping small businesses reduce energy costs and encourage telecommuting; and it encourages lenders to reach reasonable financing agreements with small businesses to increase their energy efficiency.
But it’s not enough to plan for the future — we also have to deal with the present predicament of small businesses facing ballooning energy costs.
That’s why I have introduced legislation that, should fuel prices spike again, would allow heavily fuel-dependent companies to expect help in exchange for their commitment to a plan to become more energy-efficient.
We urgently need to start shifting our priorities toward greening our businesses. This can and should be good for profits while also pushing the envelope of our scientific knowledge and technological prowess. For example, in my home state of Massachusetts, a company has developed the technology for a plug-in hybrid car that gets 150 miles per gallon.
Imagine the possibilities if we fully tapped America’s entrepreneurial spirit.
America’s competitive edge must not be stifled by the rising costs of energy. From pizza store owners to office supply companies to independent truckers, small businesses I’ve talked to warn me all the time that higher energy and gas prices cut deeply into their bottom line. Stuck paying rising gas and energy prices, they often have no money left to invest in and grow their business.
The truth is, change isn’t easy — but big change starts with one small step. Our actions today will impact future generations. We need to think big. And we need to start with America’s entrepreneurs and small businesses.
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Sen. Kerry
I voted for you in 2004. Do you think the oil companies would respond the same way the NFL did (cave-in) to the threat of anti-trust hearings? The oil companies know what the demands for the product will be, and they control the supply, this is not a free and open market when they hold gasoline off the market by not producing what is needed. Seems that two few oil companies control too much refining capacity. But you already know that! Thanks
bob
I am terribly disapointed in your endorsement of Obama for President. You seem to be more than a little devious in your move. At you could have/should have endorsed John Edwards who is a better candidate and has the right fiber to do the right work for our country or stayed the hell out of it. He at least is not afraid to talk to folks and to really listen to them. He at least is not afraid to take on the big wheels who are the stablishment. I voted for you in 2004 and now you do this to a very good man. Shame on you.
Thank you Senator Kerry for endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. I believe you chose Senator Obama for the right reasons. It is my hope to that Senator Obama will bring forth a new tone and a new day in Washington, one which will lead to the passage of the Progressive Agenda in America and make this country great again. Your leadership in endorsing Senator Obama once again reaffirms my belief that my vote for you in 2004 was the right one.
I voted for the Kerry Edwards ticket and was convinced you were both honorable men who wanted to take politics in the same direction I wanted it to go. Since that time, I have been more impressed by John Edwards and less impressed with you. I always tried to give you the benefit of the doubt, but with your announcement of NOT endorsing John Edwards you have shown yourself to be an opportunist, as your critics said you were. If Jon Edwards was good enough for you to choose him as second in command, how in the hell is he not good enough now? What a turncoat you are. Obama is NOT as experienced as needed - Doesn’t George Bush prove that to you? I am just plain ashamed of you Senator Kerry. You owe John Edwards an apology and your public image has just dropped to new lows with many of us who supported you. What “flip-flop” will you do next? Shameful.
It looks like this is the only place to respond to the email of your endorsement of Senator Obama. I wrote you the following message, but of course could not actually reply to your email:
Don’t you think you might specifically say something like “with many thanks to John Edwards for standing by me in a very difficult campaign”? To lump him into a field of candidates doesn’t seem very gracious, and he was VERY gracious to you this morning.
If you don’t recognize Prince Edward County, it’s the little blue dot on the map of Virginia SW of Charlottesville that shows that we carried a small, rural county for you and Senator Edwards in 2003!
Sincerely,
Martha E. Cook
Treasurer, Prince Edward Democratic Committee
Proud Edwards supporter
Thank you for endorsing Barack Obama. Although John Edwards and Hillary Clinton are very strong candidates in their own rights, Obama has detailed plans on the economy, for health care, for national security, and a host of other important policy issues that distinguishes him from Edwards and Clinton and shows him to have new ideas for uniting the country to move forward. I think Obama’s remarkable wisdom and foresight comes from his experience in life in addition to his political experience in the Illinois and US Senate.
Thank you Senator Kerry for endorsing Barack Obama for president.
I see a wonderful, historical connection between the two of you. It was your wise invitation to have him speak at the convention that brought national attention and showed the country a bright future in the Democratic Party.
I followed these campaigns closely for many months here in Iowa and I can attest to the intelligence and skill of Barack Obama as an organizer and inspirer of people. His campaign was simply the best we’ve ever seen here (yes, better than yours too). I have been chomping at the bit for months to see what would happen on a national scale if we have the good judgement to give him our nomination.
What I saw with the two of you on that stage today was one of the old guard, (that’s fun to hear I’m sure) a great representation of the best of your generation passing the torch to the one who represents the best future for the party and the nation. Again, thank you.
Thank you for endorsing Barack Obama. I am sure that it was a difficult decision given how closely you have worked with both your former running mate and Senator Clinton, but you have shown your courage once again and made the correct decision regarding your vision for our country right now. Senator Edwards is an extremely talented and passionate man, and I hope that he will play a role in the Obama administration.
Obama 08!
I’m saddened to see comments like “shame on you” directed towards a courageous and intelligent civil servant such as John Kerry. How can any of you presume to understand the nuances that went into Senator Kerry’s decision? Why shouldn’t he endorse the candidate he feels is best to lead our country rather than endorse another one out of loyalty? Senator Kerry made an honorable decision, and even if you disagree with him, you could do so without being insulting and vicious. That type of attitude is exactly what Obama supporters are trying to transcend. Let’s bring integrity back to politics...it starts with we the people.
Thank you for endorsing Barack Obama. It means so much!
Hello Senator Kerry,
I want to thank you for endorsing Senator Obama. I feel that same as you, He is what Our Country needs in 2008. We need someone who can unite this country and uplift us in the world view. Once again.
Thank You
Sincerly
Cheryl
I am very thankful for your endorsement of Obama for President. It is clear to the whole world that Barack will be a great leader that will inspire people throughout the globe. He is the one that will restore our standing in the global community and unite our country once again.
Thank you,
m4rk0
Dear Mr. Kerry:
I wanted to personally come and thank you from the bottom of my heart on your endorsement of Senator Barack Obama. From the rumors that you and Edwards not being on the same page is understandable to why you didn’t endorse him; because I am sure if yall weren’t seeing eye to eye then then much has not changed now. Barack Obama is a man that wants to pull all walks of life together for a common goal of this country and I know you see that. Barack Obama is leader for the PEOPLE not just for POWER. I voted for you in 2004 and followed you very closely since then and I love your ability to debate and how well you speak. I can honestly see an Obama/Kerry ticket but I am not sure how you feel about that but it would do wonders for our country.
I would like to personally thank you for standing up against ‘politics as usual’ by standing with Barack Obama. Your endorsement is a truly significant one that will surely garner even more support for Mr. Obama. Obama is a natural born leader. Those like him are rare indeed. I am certain you noticed this as well, hence, your endorsement today. It’s obvious to many that Mr.Obama IS our next leader. His ideas and plans for our country will benefit ALL of us greatly. He can lead us here at home and secure our ties again with countries abroad. People around the world today are cheering for Mr. Obama..not just those of us here at home.
Yes, Edwards is a great candidate as well and I think he’s run a great campaign so far. However, there is a time and season for everything. I believe it’s Mr. Obamas time. Let’s make our country great again! YES WE CAN!
Senator Kerry,
As one of your constituents and supporters, I want to thank you deeply for your support of Barack Obama for the office of President of the United States.
I believe, as does Senator Obama, that there is such a thing as too late. I believe that there is too much in Washington that is about division, and not enough about addition. I agree with his stances on the issues, and I believe he has the judgment to take office, and a reservoir of deep character which will serve him, and the people, very well indeed.
Your choice in the face of uncertainty reaffirms your sound character, wisdom and judgment, in my eyes, and in the ears of anyone who will listen to me!
Again thank you for this! We will not forget!
Dear Senator Kerry,
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for endorsing Barack Obama. I am relatively new to politics. Barack has inspired me, like no one else has in my lifetime, to get involved and work to make this country better. I notice he inspires this in many. Can you imagine what we could do as a country if more of our citizens felt passionate about being involved and paying attention? I am part of this new majority that Barack keeps talking about. Thank you for helping push the movement along. I have great respect for you.
Dear Senator Kerry, I supported you in the hard fought campaign of 2004 and I am here today to thank you for your support of Barack Obama. I like so many of the things that he wants to do for this country and I think he is the one that can be the agent of we so desperately need. My mother, a life long republican is supporting Obama, my father who is most likely in the 30% who still approve of Bush said he will probably still vote for a republican but was listening to Obama. That alone shows that Obama has the ability to bring people with differing viewpoints together to bring this country forward. Thank you Mr. Kerry for your support!
Thanks Senator Kerry, I live in The Netherlands and really appreciate that you are weighing in on the most promising candidate.
My wife and I were most surprised and disappointed in your endorsement of Obama. We like Obama, but John Edwards has run an honorable campaign and is a conscientious and talented public servant. He was good enough to be your running mate—a judgment you made for the country. What if you had been elected? Would he no longer be worthy of your support?
At the very least, it seems like the honorable thing for you to have done would have been to endorse no one rather than turn your back on a running mate who did everything possible to promote you when you asked him to. Too bad!
I know you endorsed Barack for all the right reasons. I trust your judgment; I admire your lifetime of public service; I am in awe of your intelligence and depth of knowledge.
Won’t you please have a fundraiser for Barack in Kansas City later on so I can meet you in person one more time and give a maximum contribution (or rather, charge it to Visa and pay for it at a later date!).
Dear senator Kerry,
Four years ago, I was crying for days after you and John Edwards lost the race.
Today, when I was reading your email, I was crying again, just because i am so thank ful that you had the courage to stand up against conventional wisdom and endorsed Senator Barack Obama.
This is why I supported your candudacy in the first place: You are a man of honor.
Senator Kerry,
Shame on you sir,how in the world could you stab Senator Edwards in the back.I voted for you in 2004.I am very sad that you would turn your back on your party and your country.I am sick!!
Senator Kerry, Thank you for supporting Barack Obama. I am one of your constituents who supported your presidential run in 2004. I consider you to be a courageous man of wisdom and conviction. I think you have chosen wisely as well as with your heart and soul. Your speech really threw the gauntlet down for others—to choose the past, or the future. You had the courage to choose the future. You have not turned your back on or “dissed” anyone. You are back in the fight, and this time I know our side will win.