Thompson Energy Game Plan
Energy is the lifeblood of our economy. As prices go up for fuel, the price of everything goes up. We must work for energy independence and stop sending our vast resources to foreign countries. We are a part of the largest shift of wealth in history as we send billions overseas and some of that money goes to countries that would wish us harm. There are many facets to my game plan to secure America’s future through energy independence.

• Utilize – We must utilize all available resources to help lower the price immediately. This includes drilling off the Outer Continental Shelf, drilling in ANWR and seeking other sources to help us solve our immediate energy crisis. It is vital that there is an expansion of our current refining capacities. Many of our facilities are outdated and unable to cope with new demands. If we are to outlast this energy crisis we must first stabilize our resources and improve our output.
• Envision – We must seek viable alternatives for the future. Many other countries are far ahead of us in many capacities of energy production. We must bring nuclear power online and do so quickly, we must expand our clean coal technologies, and we must invest in new research that will help us work towards a secure future. Wind, solar and hydro power are strong possibilities but currently comprise one percent of our needed energy. If our investments are to be affective, they must be cost effective and efficient.
• Improve – Our vast 5th District has many valuable and available energy resources. As we move forward the natural energy that we have available right here in our homes must be utilized. Natural Gas has many exciting possibilities for a valuable boom in our areas. Many companies use Natural Gas in their processes and we can lower their costs and provide family sustaining jobs right here by drilling and marketing ourselves as the energy district. This reduction in costs and increase in resource development could provide billions of dollars to our economy.