MNN - Mother Nature Network

Twenty-two words. That is how much space the GOP’s “Pledge to America” devotes to energy policy.

 

Perhaps I missed something when I read the 21-page document unveiled on Thursday, but as far as I could tell, only 22 words were devoted to addressing the future of America’s energy portfolio. So, to keep the suspense from killing you here they are — all 22 of them. Drum roll, please ...

 

“We will fight to increase access to domestic energy sources and oppose attempts to impose a national ‘cap and trade’ energy tax.”

 

The 22 words are drawing the attention of environmental groups that claim the GOP is proposing nothing original. Daniel J. Weiss wrote a guest blog for thinkprogress.org that assaulted the GOP’s policy head-on. “Increase access to domestic energy sources” is code for “drill, baby, drill,” wrote Weiss, who added, “This language is straight out of big oil’s playbook.”

 

Now a few conservative friends of mine have pointed out that Republicans have already outlined a plan for energy. There is a whole outline devoted to their proposals at the official GOP website. Still, much of their “detailed” plan focuses on some of the right-wing’s greatest hits: tax cuts, increased oil and gas production, and bringing back nuclear power plants.

 

And for anyone who didn’t stay up last night, "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" had some fun pointing out that Republicans aren’t exactly bringing any new ideas to the table with their “Pledge to America.” My personal favorite is a recent John Boehner (R-Ohio) quote in which he says, “We are not going to be any different that what we have been.”

 

Take a look for yourself.