Country needs a much broader energy policy

High gas prices are hurting more than those who drive a lot. Just take a look at George W. Bush's poll numbers.

And while it's unfair to blame all of this problem on the president, his leadership on this issue has been less than stellar.

When Bush was first running for president, he claimed he could use his relationship with the Saudis to keep prices under control. Yet, no amount of hand-holding or cheek-kissing seems to be working.

The only thing most people have heard about Bush's energy policy these last four years is his desire to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. And while people can argue whether or not this is a sensible thing to do, it clearly does very little to help the situation.

Even if drilling were to be approved today, none of that oil would hit the market for many years. Even if the optimistic estimates of the oil companies are correct, it wouldn't add enough to the total oil supply to cause any real price relief.

And here is the real kicker: Due to its location and limited refinery capacity in that area, most of the oil would likely end up being shipped to China.

This week, the president said he wants Congress to pass the energy bill this summer. But this bill, as it stands now, is filled with giant tax breaks for oil companies that are posting record profits as American consumers struggle to pay for the gas to run their cars.

The president's idea of a energy policy relies too heavily on the past and not enough on future. Instead of tax breaks for oil companies, the money should be going to find alternative sources of energy. Nevada is blessed with solar, wind or geothermal energy potential that should be exploited.

Bush also short-changes the idea of increased conservation. Requiring that new cars get better gas mileage would have a far greater and more immediate impact than any other policy.

Unfairly or not, this former oil man from Texas will be judged on the price of gas for the next four years. For his own sake, he needs to shed his energy policy tunnel vision, or he will find it nearly impossible for him to accomplish any of his other policy goals.