Matheson writes declaration of energy independence

Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, may be feeling a little like Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence.

Matheson on Thursday released a document that he and a group of fellow moderate Democrats, called the "Blue Dog Coalition," written as essentially a declaration of energy independence.

"There is no question our country needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil," Matheson, chairman of the Blue Dog Energy Task Force, said as he released a statement describing principles that Blue Dogs feel should guide debate on energy issues.

He said that to reduce dependence on foreign oil, "We believe everything needs to be on the table, from conventional domestic sources to alternative sources. Congress should not be in the business of picking winners and losers." Matheson added, "The principles we've put forward today provide an important road map for where many of us stand with regard to energy policy and climate change."

The statement of principles said, "Energy independence is a matter of national security and economic security." It adds that Blue Dogs seek to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources "because America's continued prosperity depends on the availability of reliable, affordable energy."

It said, "Climate change issues must be addressed, and many of the options that address this challenge are consistent with efforts to increase energy self-sufficiency. Blue Dogs supports the promotion of a forward-looking, market-based, comprehensive national energy strategy."

It said the nation is "blessed with a diverse energy portfolio of traditional fossil fuels and viable renewable energy sources," and the country should seek "a balanced energy strategy" that includes "increased energy production and the environmentally sound use of all energy sources."

It also calls for more research into new technologies that help conserve energy in homes and businesses and to help cut pollution.

The Blue Dog Coalition, founded in 1995, currently has 51 moderate Democrats who tend to be fiscally conservative, and attempt to form coalitions across party lines on key issues.

E-mail: lee@desnews.com