Energy Security (2007)

WHEREAS energy has become an essential element of life in the 58th century (21st century of the secular calendar) and critical to alleviating the poverty, disease and suffering of people across North America; and,

WHEREAS economic interaction between and among the United States, Canada and Mexico is increasing rapidly and the collective efforts of our three countries to provide for the health, wealth and well-being of all of our citizens will be advanced significantly by the mutual development of energy resources and technologies; and,

WHEREAS the environmental impacts of energy sources can have serious deleterious consequences for the world that has been entrusted to us, these consequences must be considered and ameliorated in a way that makes the best use of resources and technology rather than used as an excuse for inaction.

WHEREAS short-term acceptance of less than ideal environmental impacts may be necessary on the road to a secure, clean energy future, technologies exist and are being developed to minimize or eliminate the adverse impacts, environmental and otherwise, of various energy sources; and,

WHEREAS continued reliance on resources from countries who do not share our values has very real adverse impacts on our security and on the security of our spiritual homeland, Israel, a friend and ally of all of our countries; and,

WHEREAS North America has the technology and capacity to supply all of its energy needs, thereby eliminating the need to protect resource access overseas; and,

WHEREAS this can only be achieved by the intelligent and thoughtful conservation of resources combined with development of nuclear, solar, wind, geo-thermal, and fossil energy resources, including oil, shale, tar sands, coal, and natural gas together; and,

WHEREAS the private financial markets are prepared to invest significant sums in advanced energy technologies, but only if projects can proceed in a timely fashion to allow reasonable economic returns commensurate with the risks being taken.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism calls upon the governments of The United States, Canada, and Mexico to

Develop realistic plans to achieve North American energy independence using all resources available in North America;

Ensure equitable sharing of the benefits of those resources to advance the security, economic and personal well-being of all residents of North America;

Utilize all resources, both traditional and non-traditional, to most rapidly eliminate importation of resources from countries which do not share our values;

Facilitate the permitting and construction of energy generation projects as rapidly as can reasonably be accomplished.