“Ending government bailouts and corporate handouts will allow for huge, immediate, direct tax cuts — giving back desperately-needed money to American families — every year — to spend, save, or give away as they see fit.”
– Libertarian Party Website (below)
The Libertarian Party, the self-described “Party of Principle” advocating “minimum government, maximum liberty,” has a worthy stance on ending special government favor to business (cronyism). For energy policy, this would mean a long overdue contraction of the solar power, wind power, and ethanol industries. It would also be big trouble for Elon Musk’s Tesla and other electric vehicle companies.
The LP pledge is reproduced below, followed by a discussion of what the virus is, and why it should be ended.
The Pledge
… Continue ReadingIf elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to end government bailouts, grants, loans, loan guarantees, and other handouts to private businesses; eliminate unnecessary government spending, which fuels crony capitalism; open up bidding of government contracts; and require all government contractors and their employees to agree to abstain from lobbying or from promoting or opposing political campaigns.
… Continue Reading“It is true some companies have harmed the environment by pursuing careless drilling and waste disposal practices. Nevertheless, many accounts of the negative impacts of fracking have been exaggerated. The EPA, in its recent assessment of the impact of fracking on drinking water, did not find evidence of widespread, systemic effects of fracking on water resources.”
“Evidence supports the assertion that disposal of wastewater and other fluids associated with fracking has caused some earthquakes. But these earthquakes have been comparatively mild and caused little or no damage.”
“Because of fracking, the future looks bright for northern and western Pennsylvania. Not only does fracking employ people directly and result in lower natural gas prices, but it also contributes to the growth of other industries that use or process natural gas.”
“A better solution would see pipeline companies negotiate with landowners privately to access their property and come to terms on compensation. While some might argue this will slow down pipeline production, given the recent difficulties the industry has faced getting ‘stakeholder’ and government approval, I am confident private negotiations that respect property rights are ultimately more practical for industry.”
Yes, you can support energy transport and keep your property rights, too.
Affordable, reliable energy has been one of the greatest liberating forces in human history. Oil and other fossil fuels have made life immeasurably better for much of mankind. We live longer and enjoy greater prosperity because of oil and those who drill it, ship it and refine it.
Despite this, when I was asked at an all candidates debate while running for office in Fort McMurray representing the Libertarian Party of Canada whether I was “pro-pipelines or anti-pipelines,” I wasn’t able to provide a definitive answer.…
Continue Reading