But, Knollenberg (like anybody who knows something about energy), doesn't want to simply rely on oil.  He has supported wind and nuclear (my personal favorite - I've been a HUGE advocate for nuclear power) power plants as well as conserving energy at home and on the road (through simply turning off lights to carpooling).

Knollenberg introduced The New Bridging Industry and Government Through Hi-Tech Research on Energy Efficiency Act, the "New Big Three Act," which will promote more energy efficient technology, both in the public and private sectors.  Among other things, the act would:

   
• Provide $750 million in grants over 5 years for research and develop advanced vehicle batteries.

   
• Provide $250 million over 5 years to add hydrogen fuel stations to existing gas stations.

   
• Spend $150 million over 3 years for the government to purchase hydrogen vehicles.

   
• Help auto makers meet federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.

The law is currently being reviewed by the House Ways and Means Committee, and Knollenberg is expected to push for a vote on the floor later this week.

Personally, I think it's a great plan.  Although I'd like to see more of a push for nuclear power, many people don't like nuclear power, and it suffers  from the "just not in my back yard" argument more than any other type of power.

Although I don't know his policies, I'm fairly confident that Knollenberg's opponent, Gary Peters, would side with most of the Democrats in their proposed tax on the oil companies, which will do nothing for consumers and only hurt workers of the oil companies.

Done Ranting,

Ranting Republican