Write a Letter to the Editor
Click here for a list of outlets | Click here for letter writing tips
Some tips for writing letters to the editor:
- Include Your Contact Information. Most newspapers will only print a letter to the editor after calling the author to verify his or her identity and address.
- Keep your letters to the point and under 300 words.
Please use the following as suggested text when sending a letter to the editor.
To the Editor:
Since the disruption of gasoline supplies brought about by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, your newspaper has focused greater coverage on our nation’s energy supplies than perhaps any time since the 1970s. While this coverage is welcome, I fear that in an effort to “solve” the present energy dilemma, there may be a misguided rush to judgment on the part of policy-makers that would see us return to some of the unwise policies of the 70s.
For example, some in Congress are calling for increased energy taxes, building more oil refineries and taxing energy company profits as a way to reduce U.S. energy demand and thus lower energy prices. But all of these approaches are flawed in their reasoning and these 70s-esque energy prices would only hurt the U.S. economy and put U.S. businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
As we formulate energy policies we must remember that energy prices are set by supply and demand and on a global scale – the small change in U.S. demand for oil will not make an impact on the world market because the demand from rapidly-growing countries such as China and India is so great. In addition, reducing U.S. energy demand though higher domestic prices will result in the availability of energy that is comparatively cheaper for China, India and other trade competitors. The resulting energy prices that would be relatively higher in the U.S. would slow down our economy and encourage even more job losses to foreign competitors.
The mere act of building new refineries in the U.S. won’t generate excess production that will flood the U.S. market and thus produce cheap gasoline – this excess capacity likely would be exported to countries and markets that are willing to pay a premium market price for it – again, such as China.
As we work to find the right energy policies we must keep in mind one key fact: America's dynamic economy depends on one thing more than any other – energy. It feeds industry, keeps the information bits flowing, transports our goods, promotes our mobility and enables Americans to enjoy the highest standard of living in the world. We must not do anything that would upset the availability of affordable energy.
I urge your readers to contact their elected officials in Washington to tell them their thoughts on this matter.
Sincerely,
|
