Advanced text of remarks by Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday:
For the past eight years we’ve had two oilmen in the White House, and where has it gotten us? Record prices at the gas pump, heating oil costs going through the roof, oil companies reaping record profits, while American families struggle to put gas in the tank.
Can America afford four more years of the same? Is it time for a change? We need a smarter, more sustainable energy strategy.
Some people tell us to “drill here—drill now, and that’s all.” I say that’s not enough. I say solar here, solar now. Wind here, wind now.
Barack Obama is a leader who will invest in new ways to power this nation, and deliver the change we need. Barack Obama has a balanced short- and long-term plan to lower energy prices and break the tyranny of foreign oil. Barack Obama has a plan to invest $150 billion in new, green technology and create 5 million new green-collar jobs.
In my congressional district just outside Denver, we have the world’s finest renewable energy lab. Because developing alternative energy is good for national security, good for the climate and good for jobs. That’s the kind of change we need.
Unfortunately, John McCain wants to give oil companies more public land and billions more in special tax breaks, despite their record profits. That isn’t change—that’s the McCain-insane energy plan. And the same old tired politics.
So I ask you: on Nov. 4, are we going to vote for American energy independence?
And who’s going to deliver the change we need?
That’s right, Barack Obama.
