Obama energy policy is hurting Americans

Environmentalists and the Obama Administration are really hurting the economy and losing jobs to our overseas enemies and the OPEC nations. We have not built an oil refinery in more than 30 years and the restrictions on drilling in the Gulf and on any government land is making us more dependent on foreign oil.

Job losses in Louisiana alone were 20,000, according to its governor. Our annual cost of foreign oil is between

$500 and $700 billion. Many economists estimate that every $1 billion sent overseas relates to 30,000 jobs lost due to the multiplier effect used by the Office of Management and Budget (30,000 times 500 or 700 equals

15 to 21 million jobs). These are high-paying jobs. We currently have almost 14 million unemployed in the U.S.

If you have filled up your car lately, you may have noticed the uptick in prices. This increase hurts all Americans as transportation costs are passed on throughout the business world.

The Obama policy on coal-fired electricity plants is also damaging. His stated objective is to eliminate all coal-fired plants as soon as possible. Since 45 percent of our electricity comes from coal, can you afford a 100 percent increase in your electric bill?

A growing economy needs cheap energy costs. China sees that. Why can't Obama and the environmentalists?

Who gains from Obama's policy? OPEC, Iran, Venezuela, Russia, Indonesia, Cuba and China certainly do. Who is hurt? The American people.

Glenn Drahn

Belle Plaine