A solution for heating crisis

We are in the midst of a home heating crisis across the Northeast and many other parts of the country. Energy prices are sky-high with no sign of letting up. But the Republicans in Congress just blocked expanded home heating assistance, and President Bush wants to cut heating relief for 1.2 million families. Unless we take action now, thousands of Maine families will continue to be left out in the cold this winter.

Throughout my campaign, I have been listening to the voices of people all across America – people working the day shift and the night shift but still struggling to make ends meet. And after seven years of a president who has listened only to the special interests, I think it’s time for a president who brings your dreams, your values, and your voices to your White House. That is the purpose of my campaign – and that will be the mission of my presidency.

I hear from so many people struggling with staggering energy prices. Here in Maine, gas prices are near their highest level ever for this time of year, and the price of heating oil is up more than $1 per gallon since last year. The typical family is paying $2,000 more each year for electricity, home heating and gas than it did in 2000. That’s like a $2,000 energy tax – more than three times what the typical family received from the Bush tax cuts.

After seeing their health care costs double and college costs spiral out of control, that’s money many hardworking families just don’t have. For Maine’s seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes, these price increases force heartbreaking and dangerous choices between heat and basic necessities such as food and prescription drugs.

Over two months ago, I called on Congress and the president to take action on fast-acting measures to help jump-start our ailing economy. I am heartened that Congress has agreed to provide tax rebates to working families and our seniors. But families in Maine and across the country need more than tax rebates to address their economic problems.

Part of the solution must be comprehensive, immediate action to end the home heating crisis. That’s why I’ve laid out a three-part emergency plan.

First, we need to dramatically expand energy assistance. While more than 37 million American families are eligible for home energy assistance, only 5.6 million will receive any aid this winter. I’ve called for extending immediate emergency assistance to all 37 million families and to make sure those grants cover rising energy costs. My plan would provide more than 150,000 Maine families with an average of $650 in energy assistance.

Second, we need to take immediate steps to stabilize energy markets and make them work for consumers. I urge the president to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the Northeast Heating Oil Reserve to send a signal to the market, easing concerns about crude oil stocks that drive prices higher. And President Bush should drop his opposition to legislation that cracks down on price gouging at the gas pump.

Third, we need to help families reduce their own energy bills. We should immediately invest $1 billion in an emergency home conservation program. This program will make weatherization kits – including insulating wrap for water heaters, caulking for doors and windows, and other easy-to-install items – available to 3 million families. These measures can reduce a family’s heating bill by up to 20 percent.

For the longer term, we need a new direction in our energy policy. That’s why I’ve outlined a detailed plan to increase fuel economy standards, increase the use of biofuels, invest in efficiency and conservation in our homes and offices, and set a goal of generating 25 percent of our electricity from wind, solar and other renewable sources. My plan would cut oil imports by two-thirds and create at least 5 million new clean energy jobs. To help pay for it, I’ll create a $50 billion Strategic Energy Fund by taking tax breaks away from the oil companies and putting that money to work for alternative energy.

Mainers have suffered enough from President Bush’s continued indifference to the rising prices of home heating oil, electricity, and gasoline. Our economy is sliding into recession, and the time to act on the heating crisis is now. And the time for a president who actually sees the struggles of American families is long overdue.

Together, we can meet our challenges head-on and deliver real solutions to the challenges we face. I encourage the people of Maine to caucus for me on Sunday. And next January, I’ll bring more than just my experience to the White House – I will bring your voice.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is a U.S. senator from New York and a Democratic candidate for president.