The Presidential Debate: Gore vs. Reality

Reality Check

Presidential Debate

Governor George W. Bush

vs.

Vice President Gore

US Energy Policy

Al Gore vs. Reality

I want to free America from its dependency on Big Oil.

Gore’s plan will not free Americans from anything. It will only continue to make energy and fuel more expensive. We are still decades away from finding alternatives to fossil fuels. This search needs to continue. However, reliance on failed Carter-era energy schemes does not make for sound energy policy.

I want to free America from its dependency on Foreign Oil.

Gore has opposed new American oil production at every turn. Under the Clinton-Gore watch, America’s dependence on the OPEC cartel and other foreign sources of oil has risen to nearly 60 percent — a historic high. There is no reason to think that Gore is changing his ways. When Governor George Bush announced his plan to allow oil production in a small part Alaska’s National Wildlife Refuge, Gore immediately opposed it, saying such a move would degrade the environment. Production in this area could provide enough oil to replace all imports from Saudi Arabia for at least the next 30 years.

Gas Prices

Al Gore vs. Reality

“You ought to have the choice to get in your car, turn on your engine, and go where you want, all at reasonable price to you and your family.”

In 1993, Gore cast the deciding vote to increase gas taxes by 4.3 cents per gallon. Gore demands ratification of the UN Global Warming Treaty — which was rejected by the Senate 98-0. This treaty would eliminate millions of American jobs, and raise gas prices by 60 cents per gallon. Gore authored and fought for a Btu tax on energy — which would raise gas prices by 7.5 cents per gallon. As gas prices surged last year, the Clinton-Gore administration imposed a new federal requirement for low-sulfur fuels that will raise gas prices by 5 to 6 cents per gallon. Clinton-Gore administration regulations for reformulated gasoline raised gas prices by as much as 25 cents per gallon. The Clinton-Gore administration has opposed new American oil production at every turn. America’s dependence on foreign oil is at 60% — a historic high.