Future of energy is now

The future of energy -- what form it might take or where it might come from -- is a hot issue in 2008. Fuel is fueling debate with idealists on both sides of the political aisle coming forward with plans.

What should be our top priority as a state and nation? More nuclear plants? Solar energy? Wind energy? Off-shore drilling? All of the above?

One of Missouri's governor candidates, Kenny Hulshof, currently a U.S. representative, said last week that if elected governor he'll seek tapping Missouri soils for oil. Hulshof said there is an estimated 1.4 billion to 1.9 billion barrels of oil in western Missouri, and one of his priorities would be to explore reserve and refining opportunities in Missouri as well as other potential resources. His opponent, Democrat Jay Nixon, agrees on several key points.

Meanwhile, Congress is at a standstill on a key energy issue. Our representatives left for the August recess deadlocked over how to address high gasoline prices, according to an article by the Associated Press. Democrats want to tap the nation's reserve. Republicans want to force votes on offshore drilling.

Energy issues will be perhaps the biggest topic in the upcoming general election. However, there doesn't seem to be a prudent reason to wait until November to make a call on important issues such as these.

Something needs to be done about our nation's energy problem. Despite a lame duck president, we still have representatives in Washington there to do the will of the people. The time for waiting has long passed. It's time to act on energy issues.