Don't Believe the Drilling Hype!

Dear Decision Maker,

The high energy prices and impacts to our economy and environment from our fossil-fuel-dependent energy policy are hurting all Americans. Please don't rush to drill in protected lands and waters.

Instead, please continue the moratorium on new offshore drilling that has been endorsed by Republican and Democratic administrations and congressional leaders for four decades. Take a stand for your voters by supporting legislation that will give Americans relief and kick-start the new energy economy.

Among the actions I hope you will support:

—Immediate relief for Americans—

Repeal tax breaks for the oil and gas industry. Use the money to provide a gas price rebate and to fund programs to improve auto and home energy efficiency.

—Better energy efficiency from vehicles—

Raise auto efficiency standards (CAFE) to achieve a 35 miles per gallon (mpg) level by 2015 and more increases through 2020. Provide initial funding for auto makers to retool their factories to produce advanced technology vehicles that are 25 percent more fuel efficient. Provide consumer incentives to purchase high fuel-efficiency cars and trucks.

—A clean energy economy with renewable energy—

Require all electricity providers to produce at least 25 percent of their energy from renewable energy resources by 2025. Extend federal tax incentives for renewable energy and energy efficient buildings, equipment and appliances. These incentives have either already expired or will expire at the end of 2008. Increase energy efficiency standards for new homes and commercial buildings by 30 percent by 2010 and 50 percent by 2020.

Thank you for supporting these critical efforts to create the clean energy economy we need. Our economy, environment, and the secure future of our children and grandchildren depend on it.