Keystone Energy Forum

America imports half of the oil that it uses, so it is imperative that proper policies that impact energy must be put in place.

America imports half of the oil that it uses, so it is imperative that proper policies that impact energy must be put in place.

There's no denying the allure of "green jobs" as a concept. Who could object to renewable energy sources with minimal environmental impact? How practical such jobs are now and how soon they will offer widespread opportunity for employment are questions that need to be asked and answered, however. Any anticipated benefit from green jobs should be measured against the enormous economic impact of careers in our existing energy industry.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is to be commended for her sober support of the Keystone XL pipeline project. Mrs. Clinton clearly understands the contribution that this pipeline will make to the revitalization of our economy and the security of our nation.

The development of Canada's vast reserves of oil sands will make a mighty contribution to the U.S. economy and improve our national security as well. Billions of dollars will be invested in this capital-intensive venture in the years to come, supercharging the Canadian economy and providing innumerable secondary benefits for Canada's primary trading partner, the United States.

Our economy is in the tank and we want to keep it there, but the only way we can do that is by stifling everything necessary for recovery. So, let's all get together on this and do our best to discourage business expansions and job creation. Most important, let's increase taxes on oil production, so the ripple effect of higher prices will depress demand throughout the economy and forestall recovery for months or even years to come.

This Spring, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to issue rules that would regulate greenhouse gases emissions at as many as six million of America's commercial facilities, such as hospitals, manufacturing plants and schools. These regulations are a nightmare for Illinois workers and small business owners, who already live in a state ranked 48th in job growth and with an employment rate near 11 percent.