Hawkins outlines energy proposal
Syracuse Post-Standard
Mike McAndrew
July 10th, 2008
House candidate wants to cut subsidies for nuclear, fossil fuel production.
Congressional candidate Howie Hawkins says the answers to the nation's energy and global warming crises don't lie in more oil drilling, nuclear power plants or clean coal.
Running as a Green Populist Party candidate in the 25th District, Hawkins outlined a plan Tuesday to eliminate federal subsidies for nuclear and fossil fuel production, create a fuel tax based on its carbon content, and invest $300 billion in renewable fuels.
He criticized the energy plans of opponents Dale Sweetland, a Republican, and Dan Maffei, a Democrat, as echoes of the policies of "oil-drenched" presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama.
"Both Democrats and Republicans plan to continue our addiction to oil," Hawkins said. "They talk about independence from foreign oil, not independence from oil, period."
Hawkins proposed:
Cutting $300 billion per year in military spending to promote energy efficiency and renewable fuels in the United States and developing countries.
Switching $25 billion per year in energy subsidies from nuclear and fossil fuel production to energy efficiency and renewable fuels.
Requiring a fossil fuel efficiency standard that rises by 5 percent annually.
Taxing the carbon content of coal, oil and natural gas fuels to reduce greenhouse emissions and pay for equal monthly dividends to every U.S. citizen.
Creating a superfund to help 50,000 coal miners and other workers transition to alternative work.
"There will be people who lose their jobs. But more jobs will open in the green renewable energy field," Hawkins said.
To become oil independent, Hawkins said the country needs to develop solar- and wind-powered electric passenger and rail systems instead of relying on higher auto fuel efficiency standards and corn-based ethanol.
The other candidates previously outlined their strategies:
Maffei: Supports taxing oil companies' windfall profits, eliminating subsidies for oil companies, investing in renewable fuels. Opposes new oil drilling in Alaska and coastal regions.
Sweetland: Supports new oil drilling in Alaska and coastal regions, conservation and investing in renewable fuels, and eliminating sales taxes on gasoline.
David Gay, who wants to force a Republican primary against Sweetland, supports oil drilling in Alaska and coastal regions and opposes a windfall profits tax and subsidies for renewable fuels.
Christina Rosetti, who hopes to force a Working Families Party primary against Maffei, supports a windfall profits tax and tax credits for consumers who buy solar panels, windmills and hybrid cars.
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