It's 2012 and very little has changed except that the price of energy has increased significantly. I am still concerned about the growing risks of our over dependence on a energy source that exposes America's economy and national security to the passing impulses of overseas petroleum barons. I support lifting of restraints that prevent the US from achieving energy self-reliance. We must open access to the billions of barrels  of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas reserves. I will stop the EPA’s implementation of cap and trade rules and put an end to the agencies threats to the nation's growing shale gas exploration. The United States is the third largest producer of Oil and is only surpassed in production by Russia and Saudi Arabia. However, we are also the worlds largest importer and consumer of petroleum. Market and consumer driven exploration and innovation are the best chance we have of holding the line on energy costs and laying the foundation for ensuring energy self-reliance. Experts agree that the worlds supply of oil will peak due to flow. The question is when will it peak. Some argue that it already has while others believe that it will be at least 200 years before we reach peak oil flow. An objective look at the alternatives to Peak Oil Flow points to the Nation's untapped oil/gas shale and re-exploration of exiting oil fields as a strategic short-term source of reliable, affordable, and secure oil and natural gas. The technology exists to extract this oil and natural gas; however, until recently, it was not cost effective. Due to the rising price of energy the financial dynamics are changing. The Energy Information Administration estimates the world supply of oil shale alone to be in excess of 2.9 trillion barrels, of which, over 1 trillion barrels are in the United States. I will call for legislation to promote further use of this alternative and the re-exploration of domestic oil fields. T he re-exploration of exiting fields and the In-situ exploration and refining of oil and natural gas shale can provide alternatives to foreign sources of energy. Legislation to encourage conservation and the use of alternative energy sources must not call for an increase in taxes as an incentive for people to alter their daily lives. Making Americans pay more for energy is not the answer. We must avoid the mistaken belief that we can drill our way out of our energy problem. Shale and re-exploration of exiting fields is at best, a stop gap measure. Only greater efficiency and diversification of our fuel choices, bio-diesel, cellulosic ethanol, natural gas, coal gasification, nuclear, geothermal, hydroelectric, residential solar and wind, will provide lasting energy and economic security Western Maryland has an abundance of natural gas reserves locked in the Marcellus shale. Opening of these fields to responsible and controlled extraction will jumpstart Western Maryland’s economy, reduce energy cost and our reliance on foreign sources. Energy efficiency and self-reliance must be the centerpiece of our nation's energy policy. | 
