I have been wondering why, with all of the election babble on energy reform, why all of the energy bills in Congress and state legislatures, seem to just give money to oil, gas, and utility companies. Two weeks ago, I sent the following email to Texas Senators, the State Senator and Representative in my West Texas District, and the Governor of California:

            Why, with all of the technology available, has there not been a law passed REQUIRING a combination solar/wind electrical generation system on ALL new houses and apartment complexes? This would reduce our dependency on fossil fuels as well as prevent or reduce wide spread power outages from storms (or terrorists).

            To further reduce our dependence on foreign oil, why not pass legislation requiring all new cars to run on straight alcohol (like  NASCAR ). This could be easily accomplished if you would repeal the law against growing industrial hemp (which is not a drug). This would further reduce our dependence on oil as plastics can be made from the residual hemp after being distilled.

            The only response I received from any of the officials was an auto response from Governor Schartzenhagger’s office informing me that I needed to route my message to the California Department of Energy. The Senators from Texas, as well as the state Senator and Representative from my district here in West Texas, failed to even send a courtesy auto responder generated message.   

            It is evident that the only interest our officials, not only in Washington, but also at the state level, have no real interest in “we the people” other than conning us out of our vote during election year. Otherwise energy bills would be written to benefit the people rather than just bail out the oil, gas, and utility companies while telling the rest of us to conserve energy.  

            The solar and wind power technologies have improved dramatically in the last twenty years. Bulky and unsightly solar panels have been replaced with roofing material and siding which generates electricity as an integral component of your house’s structure that actually pays for itself over time.  

            If you believe that it is in the best interest of the people of our country to be providing their own power to eliminate a power grid, download the petition at  http://bobkinford.com/state_initiative_solutions.html and circulate it. Remember to check with your Secretary of State to see how many signatures you will need to get it on the ballot. A list of Secretary of States is available at http://www.bobkinford.com/links.html