Pubdate: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX) Copyright: 2002 Amarillo Globe-News Contact: http://amarillonet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13 Author: Mike Barnett Note: Mike Barnett is director of publications for the Texas Farm Bureau. FILLING UP WITH GASOLINE FILLS TERRORISTS' POCKETS WACO - We've all seen the TV advertisements delivering the message that money spent on illegal drugs is money supporting terrorism. Here's an even scarier thought: Every time you fill your gas tank, you're putting dollars in terrorists' pockets. A stretch? Not at all, according to U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D- Texas, who threw that nugget out for the audience to chew on at the recent Farm Credit Bank conference in San Antonio. "Every time we fill up at the gasoline pump, we are funding terrorism, because a good part of that money is going to the Middle East, and those folks have not yet found the political courage to deal with terrorists," he said. Stenholm has a point. Should we buy oil from Middle Eastern regimes that, while not outright condoning terrorism, turn a blind eye toward terrorist activities - especially when we have undeveloped resources here at home that could go a long way toward solving our energy problems? The point Stenholm made very well is it is time for the United States to take the necessary steps to reduce its reliance on foreign energy sources. The U.S. House has passed a comprehensive energy package that includes provisions that would allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, tax breaks for the energy industry, funding to promote "clean coal" technology and renewable fuels, and other energy conservation measures. Now it's the Senate's turn, and energy legislation was on the table as they returned from Easter recess. On a promising note, before Easter, the Senate passed a measure that would dramatically increase our use of ethanol and soybean-based fuels. That is only one step, albeit positive for agriculture, as Middle East violence draws increasing attention to the need for a national energy policy. The challenge for the Senate, and ultimately a conference committee and both Houses on a final vote, is to put together a comprehensive package that reduces the chance that our nation and economy are held hostage by those who wish us harm. Drilling in the ANWR - a contentious Senate issue - alone will not solve this nation's energy problems. Boosting the use of ethanol and soy-based fuels will not solve the problem. The problem won't be solved by increased fuel efficiency for cars or expansion of tax credits to study new energy sources. It will take a combination of all the above and strategic thinking by our political leaders to solve a problem that only will grow increasingly difficult. Despite the best efforts of President Bush and others, there always will be conflict in the Middle East. Transferring our dependence to other oil-producing countries such as Mexico and Russia is only a temporary measure at best. There always is the risk that those oil supplies could be cut off. Can our leaders find the focus, strength and courage to develop an energy policy that is in the best interests of our nation as a whole? Can we reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil, and all foreign oil? Can we continue to develop the potential of ethanol and other bio- based fuels? Funding terrorists through our gas tanks is hardly a thought I wish to contemplate. Stenholm has brought the issue home in a way each of us can understand. Now is the time to act on a national energy policy. Tomorrow might be too late. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens