The dependence we have on electricity is incredible. The computer that I am using to write this column is just one example of all the energy required for our culture to work. Where would we be without our cell phone chargers and huge, energy-consuming sound systems to provide the highest quality entertainment possible? All of this is not possible without large amounts of energy.

In the past few weeks, Americans have lost confidence in the economy because of high prices at the gas pump. Don’t you love that spot on the 10 p.m. news where they do the daily pump watch to let you know where all of the cheapest gas prices are in town? That is when you know gas prices are getting really bad.

High gas prices have also led to some of the lowest approval ratings ever for President Bush. Not only do prices affect individuals when we fill up our vehicles, but also when we go to the store and pay for the increased shipping prices manufacturers face to deliver the products.

CyRide has also felt the effects of higher gas prices; such price jumps are one of the reasons it will increase fees to ride the bus and cut services in the coming months. Diesel fuel is essential to maintaining all of the semitrailer traffic frequently used to ship domestic goods. As energy prices continue to rise, the American people are looking for answers on how to keep gas prices low, preferably below $2 a gallon.

This week, the president made public his ideas on how to combat rising energy prices. One of the root problems is that a new oil refinery has not been built in the United States since the 1970s. Because of this, much of the foreign oil we bring into the country also needs to be refined outside the United States. Our domestic refineries simply can’t keep up with our demand for fuel. The president proposed building oil refineries in closed U.S. military bases. He will send Department of Energy officials to communities near these bases to persuade the communities to get behind the plan.

Another part of his plan, which could help out consumers at the pump, includes expanding the scope of the 10-year, $2.5 billion tax credit available for vehicles running on hydrogen fuel cells or utilizing a combination of gas and electric technology. Bush would like the credit to also include vehicles that utilize clean-burning diesel.

Our own Sen. Charles Grassley has been a key advocate in securing federal funds for the development of biodiesel and the plants to produce it which are right here in Iowa. Biodiesel utilizes similar technology to the ethanol that is added to unleaded gasoline.

The final major aspect of the president’s proposal includes encouraging the building of more nuclear power plants.

He will ask Congress to provide federal risk insurance for companies seeking to build nuclear facilities to smooth the way for their development.

The administration has yet to attach a cost to these energy proposals, but passing this energy reform is worth the price.

Though it may not have a huge impact at the pump today, in the long run it will pay huge dividends.

The development of alternative energy cars, like the hydrogen fuel cells and gas-electric hybrids, will eventually greatly decrease the amount of oil needed in America.

The energy we need to keep track of all of our technology must come from somewhere, and the president’s proposal will help ensure it does.