Two proposed energy policies

There are two energy policy proposals circulating that I think its important to take a look at and give your feedback about.

The first is a critique of the US Energy Policy Act of 2005. In it, author Rudolf Cooke says we need a plan, and

[t]he first step in addressing any problem is to understand it. We need a really good definition of the challenges that lie ahead--technical, social and economic. Thus we start with a thorough review of the energy market. We need a realistic forecast of America's energy requirements by fuel type by year for the next 20 years. Fuel types fall into two basic categories: fuels for mobile applications (cars, trucks, railroad engines, airplanes, etc.), and fuels for stationary applications (power plants, furnaces, generators, pumps, industrial motors, etc.). Then we need a forecast of fuel resources by type by year for the same 20 year period. The supply forecast must include a conservative estimate of resource depletion, potential political challenges, and international competition for available fuels. Our market plan should also examine future cost/price trends and their potential impact on our economy.

Where shortages appear in our forecast--and they will--we need to review alternative solutions. Again, there are two categories: energy efficiency and new resource development. Since energy efficiency improvements provide us with the quickest and cheapest solution, all avenues of improved energy efficiency must be defined and quantified. The remaining energy shortfall defines the annual fuel volume requirements of our resource development objectives.

Cooke goes on to describe the "three key components of a successful business plan." It would be administered by a large organization that must manage the project. None of the components are in the 2005 act.

He invites us to consider his proposal and give feedback. As of this writing, the link to the feedback forum is not working, so I don't know whether this will be an option in the future.

I do know that the feedback mechanism is working for the second proposal called Energize America -- A Blueprint for U.S. Energy Security written by several regulars ("Kossacks") at the web's most popular Democratic blog, Daily Kos. Jerome a Paris published the latest draft and introduces it this way:

With this Fourth Draft, we have refined our focus, sharpened our message and begun to build the financial models to support the plan, including both a funding model and target investments for each specific proposal.

It sets a legislative agenda for transportation, power generation, the environment and regulatory framework, efficiency and education, and funding the campaign. The authors are asking for feedback on several levels: rhetorical, political, cost/benefits, and even the wording.

It is an important piece of work that may help Democrats frame their platform, so take a few minutes to look it over and then register with Daily Kos to comment. (You won't be able to comment for 24 hours, but I think it will be worth the wait.)

This is the nature of participative democracy today, so take advantage of it! See you in the comments section!