Star Democrat: Guest Column "Solving America's Energy Problems: Oil, Natural Gas, Alternative Energy Solutions" 

For decades, Republicans and Democrats alike have failed to develop a comprehensive energy policy and we are feeling the result. Our nation needs a new approach that focuses both on expanding on and offshore exploration, while also developing the next generation of alternative energy technology.

The United States is blessed to still have vast untapped resources of oil and natural gas. For too long, our nation has depended on unfriendly nations like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia. Decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and natural gas will alleviate the pain we feel at the pump and increase our national security. Opening new areas here in America to drilling can be done in an efficient and environmentally sensitive way while giving states the authority to permit or reject drilling off their coast as well as sharing in the royalties.

For over 30 years, radical environmental special interest groups, many of whom have endorsed my opponent, have opposed energy exploration and the building of new oil refineries in the United States. That was the wrong approach and needs to be corrected as soon as possible.

As a physician, I have seen the miracles of modern medicine. The same innovative minds that have brought us technological advances in medicine can also make the United States the world leader in developing the next generation of alternative energy technologies.

The current generation of energy technology is not economically feasible. Current solar panels produce energy at 41 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is over three times the cost of clean-burning natural gas. The United States must use tax incentives to encourage free-market development of the next generation of efficient alternative energy technologies.

Throughout this campaign, instead of offering any new ideas, time and time again Frank Kratovil has engaged in negative Washington politics as usual. I must now set the record straight. For decades, liberal politicians in Maryland have advocated for government mandates that only drive up the cost of energy. As a state senator, I opposed expensive government energy mandates, while supporting tax incentives to develop the next generation of alternative energy.

On this very editorial page, my opponent railed against ideologues on both sides of the aisle. The sad truth is his energy plan is identical to the plan being advocated by the most liberal Washington elite. Barack Obama calls for raising taxes on energy companies (exploration) that would in turn be passed on to the consumer. So does Kratovil. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to ban new exploration of oil and natural gas, so does Kratovil.

Kratovil's support for the liberal solutions from the past to the energy crisis should come as no surprise. In this very newspaper a year ago he said, "I want to be an ally of the Governor (Martin O'Malley) in Washington."

As your congressman, I will support a comprehensive, innovative energy policy that includes drilling for oil and natural gas, promoting conservation, and providing tax incentives to develop the next generation of efficient alternative energy. America must again become the world's energy leader.

As a doctor, I have seen American ingenuity solve the most complex medical problems. With leadership and vision, we can do the same thing with energy.

Andy Harris, M.D. is a state senator from the 7th legislative district and the Republican nominee for Congress in Maryland's First District.