AP: Energy tsunami coming, ex-policymakers warn

[marmar]

Energy tsunami coming, ex-policymakers warn

By H. JOSEF HEBERT
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- A bipartisan group of 27 elder statesmen is sending an open letter to both presidential candidates and every member of Congress saying the country faces "a long-term energy crisis" that threatens the security and prosperity of future generations if swift action isn't taken.

The group includes Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell and six other former secretaries of state or defense, former senators of both parties and a half dozen former senior White House advisers and other Cabinet officers for both Republican and Democratic presidents.

"We must re-examine outdated and entrenched positions," the group says in the letter to be sent Wednesday to the campaigns of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and to his GOP rival John McCain, as well as members of Congress and all 50 governors.

"...Foremost we must rise above a partisan differences and be united in our efforts," they wrote.

A copy of the letter was provided Tuesday to The Associated Press.

The call to action comes amid widespread anger over high energy costs from $4-plus a gallon gasoline to the certainty of record heating costs next winter and the prospect that America's energy priorities will have to be revamped in coming decades to address global warming.

Despite volumes of rhetoric - often on largely meaningless proposals - partisan disagreements have stymied action on energy issues in Congress this year.

Republicans have hammered away at opening new areas for oil and gas drilling, while Democrats have largely been targeting large oil companies for new taxes. Neither side has signaled a willingness to compromise. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WISE_MEN_ENERGY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Warpy]

1. I hope this is the dying gasp of the oily Texas mafia

and that the next economic boom creates and is fueled by renewable energy.

We're going to be in a world of suck for the next few years, thanks to the Dirty 5 on the USSC.

[ladjf]

4. Never have so few caused so much suffering for so many.

[Possumpoint]

2. Question

When these men were in power why didn't they speak out about the same problems? Is it that they were too corrupted by the system at that time? I'd be more impressed if some of the people on either side of the isle currently in power come out and say the same things. I guess these men aren't on the lobbyists dole list anymore.

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. It signers read like list of rogues. n/t