Senior Fellow Kevin A. Hassett

The 20th-century policy aimed at developing domestic energy sources no longer makes sense. The 21st century demands a fresh approach.

Current federal energy tax policy is premised in large part on a desire to achieve energy independence by promoting domestic fossil fuel production. This, we argue, is a mistake. The policy also relies heavily on energy subsidies, most of which are socially wasteful, inefficient, and driven by political rather than energy considerations. Finally, the energy taxes that are in place could be more precisely targeted to specific market failures, and these higher taxes themselves would encourage the production of alternatives more efficiently than do current subsidies.

What is your BEST IDEA that saves energy?

Does your spouse make fun of you for your passion for energy savings? We would like to hear from you! Send us a couple of paragraphs with a picture and we'll make you famous on energyQue.com. Provide us your name, city & state, website along with your idea including pictures to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will upload your tip for others to benefit from.

Example:

Insulated Inflatable Attic Hatch Seal

Started by glueing two pieces of rigid foam to a firm wood laminate with wood glue. Once dry, the piece was trimmed to the exact size of the peice of drywall it was going to replace. After trial fitting to ensure a good fit I started to shape the "rim" for the bicycle inner tube. Utilizing a router table, we neatly cut the "rim" just above the wood laminate all the way around. Now I drilled a small hole in one corner for the inner tube nozzle to stick through. Next I fit the tube onto the "rim" with the nozzle sticking through.

Thanks to Cincy Best Insulation, a resource for insulating services in Cincinnati, Ohio for this great tip. Please forward any questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

* All submissions are subject to review and must fit within the context of saving energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels and improving our air quality.

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