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Article: Why 'Energy Independence'?; We're Focusing on the Wrong Goal
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- December 14, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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For 35 years, the policy of the United States government has been
to seek "energy independence." In fact, energy independence is more
than just a policy goal. It has become a patriotic cliche:
motherhood, apple pie and energy independence. Every president since
Richard Nixon has promised to lead us toward it, if not to actually
achieve it. Barack Obama and John McCain both promised it during the
campaign. Countless commission reports and newspaper editorials have
called for it.
Meanwhile, during those same 35 years, we have been moving away
from energy independence, not toward it. When our quest began,
America acquired a third of the oil we consumed by buying it from
foreigners. Now it's ...