Letter: Hopeful lawmakers puruse energy strategy

The U.S. can become an energy superpower. In order for that to happen, we must not only be able to produce energy for our citizens, but we have to be able to move that energy in the most economical way possible, and that is often by pipeline.

It is tiring to watch politicians kowtow to pressure from aggressive environmentally minded political organizations. In order for this economy to ignite again, we need to unleash our tremendous domestic energy resources. When vocal groups hijack the headlines and hinder much needed energy infrastructure development and exploration, those living paycheck-to-paycheck ultimately pay the price.

With the influx of natural gas being used, and gains in energy efficiency, CO2 levels have dropped below 1992 levels. We can be mindful of our environment and natural resources without hamstringing our businesses, and citizens with unaffordable energy rates.

Recently, the Iowa Energy Plan was unveiled. It is encouraging to see some leaders driving the discussion on how important energy is to our state. I hope the new administration in Washington vigorously pursues an energy strategy that is in the country's best economic and geopolitical interest.

Herb Anderson

Cedar Rapids