Richardson Book Makes Compelling Case

John Fout

I just finished an advance copy of New Mexico Gov. and Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson's book: Leading by Example: How We Can Inspire an Energy and Security Revolution, which will be in stores on Nov. 2. The strength of this book could boost his candidacy, but any benefit may come too late.

In the book, Richardson lays out a plan to change America's future based on a holistic energy policy. He understands energy policy relates to our economy and our national defense.

Richardson calls for a plan similar to JFK's race to put a man on the moon. His 10-year plan calls for leadership, investment and some sacrifice from everyone, with a final result that will be a better America.

He has the credibility after serving as a congressman for 15 years, a U.N. ambassador for three years, Secretary of Energy for three years, and governor of New Mexico for five years (which he enjoys describing as a clean energy state).

Richardson's book has five goals to follow in order to create an energy and security revolution:

1) By 2020, reduce U.S. oil dependence by 50%;

2) Increase efficiency and renewables in the electricity and natural gas markets;

3) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% (probably 30%) by 2020, 50% by 2030, 80% by 2040, and 90% by 2050;

4) Nurture and invest in science and technology, and;

5) Lead by example.

What benefits would we reap from achieving the bold changes suggested by Richardson?

One would be stopping the huge flow of money going to countries that do not share our belief in democracy and free markets -- Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela?

Those petrodollars would be reinvested right here at home. Richardson strongly believes that alternative energy would be a future source of economic growth. It would create new industries and American jobs.

Long gone are the days of $10 a barrel oil, and rising oil prices pose a burden similar to a tax hike on American consumers.

But energy leadership isn't just economic. The Bush administration has pulled out of numerous international treaties. Richardson believes that arrogance has hurt our image in the world. The U.S. could regain leadership on an important issue and restore its reputation around the world by be a leader on global warming.

How would Richardson achieve these goals?

He would be the energy president. He comprehends that corporations don't exist to develop more efficient energy or solve world crises. They intend to reap profits for shareholders. Therefore, government has to be involved to provide leadership.

But Richardson can't be labeled a socialist who wants to regulate markets. He prefers a variety of incentives for both businesses and consumers. He also firmly believes in free markets (he notes that we don't have a free energy market today) and expects that corporations will lead the way on technological innovation.

There's no doubt Richardson possesses the ability and the experience to pull off such bold plans. The problem he faces is time. The new front-loaded primary schedule will, in essence, determine the nominees sooner. That primary schedule heavily favors the front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York.

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