Ed has a bold new vision for America—it is a vision of energy independence based upon community initiated and locally controlled renewable energy projects.
The centerpiece of Ed's energy program is his "RENEW AMERICA" proposal. "Renew America" is all about creating local jobs, promoting a "green" economy, and ending our reliance on fossil fuels in general, and foreign oil in particular. "Renew America" is based upon community initiated renewable energy projects and revolutionizes the basic economic model so that renewable energy profits are reinvested in our local communities for education, public safety and basic infrastructure rather than going to Wall Street investors for profit. It is helping to take back America.
Ed believes we must begin to build an accelerated nationwide renewable energy program at the rate and scale of the WPA in the 1930s. During that era, America faced an unprecedented economic crisis with the Great Depression. In 2008, America faces an unprecedented energy crisis which has put our troops in harms way and created unbearable economic stress upon ordinary Americans and our senior citizens. This crisis continues to threaten our national security. Ed believes the time has come to unleash the innovative and renewable power of everyday Americans! We need to invest in American ingenuity and know-how.
There are over 2,000 municipally owned electric companies all across America and 40 in Massachusetts alone. The municipal power company model is not based upon profit, but rather on returning investments into the local community. Ed believes we must use this model to develop renewable energy companies on a local or regional level throughout America. Using this model, renewable energy companies would be locally controlled, renewable energy projects community initiated, and the profits from such projects reinvested in our public schools, public safety departments and public works projects.
"Renew America" would allow communities to organize local renewable energy companies with the federal government providing the needed expertise and low interest loans for development. For example, Lawrence, Lowell, Haverhill, Chicopee, Springfield, West Springfield, Holyoke and even Worcester "grew up" on hydroelectric power. In many cities, unused power canals still exist! With existing dams in place and in-stream technology developing at a rapid rate, there would be no need build additional dams. On Cape Ann, the center of the "island" could sustain multiple wind turbines while hydroelectric projects could be built where tidal energy powered mills for many years. The possibilities for hydroelectric generation in Massachusetts are almost endless. In addition, every community in Massachusetts could build solar projects to compliment wind and hydroelectric development.
If "Renew America" became a reality, why can't we dream and take it to another level. Let's envision electric motor vehicles getting re-charged from renewable sources. Let's focus on energy conservation—including consumer education, incentives, and building new construction in a responsible manner. Let's put American ingenuity and knowledge to work and make our country safe, secure and green!
Ed O'Reilly—"Thinking Outside the Beltway!"
