Iowa Congressman Jim Nussle says the energy bill which cleared the House is a good first step toward American energy independence. Nussle says lawmakers will have to return to the issue and constantly make improvements. Nussle says there are safe nuclear options and other means for improving the electrical grid, and he says there are other areas of the country that can be safely explored to find oil and natural gas reserves without damaging the environment. Nussle says the bill is long overdue and will lessen American dependence on foreign oil. The bill is hailed by Iowa corn growers for its pro-ethanol provisions. Some economists suggest the price of corn could go up as much as 10 cents per bushel because of the bill’s promotion of the corn-based fuel additive. Nussle says he’ll believe that when he sees it. Nussle says the bill will increase demand for ethanol and will help turn Iowa into an economic engine to produce energy.Nussle says while the bill sets the stage for getting more sources of energy into the marketplace, there’s a long ways to go. Nussle says this one energy bill is not going to fix all the energy problems in the United States, so lawmakers must revisit the issue and “refine” it.
