THE ISSUE: New energy, saving energy

OUR OPINION: Drilling entangled in politics, but you don’t have to be to save energy

Republicans are hitting hard at Democrats over the oil-exploration issue. Republicans say Democrats are the problem with lack of domestic production, prohibiting offshore drilling.

Democrats say offshore drilling is no solution -- short term or long term -- and that oil companies at present have numerous locations open to new exploration.

GOP lawmakers are on the offensive with the drilling issue, as is presidential candidate John McCain. Democrat Barack Obama has taken away some of the GOP steam with statements about willingness to consider offshore drilling.

Still, leaders such as S.C. Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, is pushing what is called American Energy Freedom Day. He announced this week that 36 senators, including S.C. Sen. Lindsey Graham, have signed a letter to protect Oct. 1 as American Energy Freedom Day and to “actively oppose” any attempt to extend bans on offshore drilling and oil shale beyond their expiration at the end of September.

“The overwhelming majority of Republican senators have pledged to protect Oct. 1 as American Energy Freedom Day so we can reduce dependence on foreign oil and lower the cost of gas at the pump,” DeMint said. “Many people aren’t aware that the bans on drilling must be renewed every year, and all we have to do is allow these prohibitions to expire on Oct. 1. In just 50 days, Americans will have the freedom to pursue their own energy resources here at home. Our letter is very straightforward: We will actively oppose any effort to extend the bans on offshore drilling and oil shale.”

OK, lift the ban on offshore drilling – but don’t assume that is part of any long-term solution to America’s energy crisis. Oil from domestic sources will not be enough to sustain our diet for energy based on fossil fuel. A true mix of oil, new sources and conservation is necessary.

The last component is no laughing matter, despite the way it has been portrayed by media. Candidates should be reminding Americans that car maintenance is a factor in using less energy.

Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, applauded both candidates for discussing vehicle maintenance as a way to save energy, citing proper tire inflation and regular tune-ups as steps motorists can take to be part of the solution.

“You can’t control the price of gas, but you can control how much gas you burn. Performing simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance does not only save gas money, perhaps as much as $1,200 per year, but it also improves a vehicle’s safety and dependability. In fact, according to the survey by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, 75 percent of drivers said they are maintaining their vehicles better because of rising gas prices. 

While the politicians debate drilling and foreign oil, while the market drives the ups and downs of gas prices, do what you can to save energy and money. As simple as it sounds, air in the tires and other simple vehicle maintenance chores can make a big difference.

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