Former Virginia Gov. George Allen shared his views on energy and climate issues in an on-Grounds lecture yesterday night in the Jefferson Room.
A guest of the Burke Society, the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society and College Republicans, Allen expressed his support for off-shore drilling, coal and nuclear energy initiatives and criticized the current presidential administration's cap and trade energy policies.
He credited "coal technology [with] generating affordable electricity while providing literally hundreds of thousands of jobs for Americans. By every measure, whether its reliability, affordability, job creation - coal is by far the best energy source for ... electricity."
Allen also criticized current regulatory barriers on nuclear power for being "out of touch with reality." He proposed that future U.S. policy on nuclear energy follow the French environmental practice of reusing spent fuel.
"It's much better, much more efficient, much safer, less dangerous," Allen said.
Allen downplayed the effect of solar and wind power, claiming both were unreliable resources that should be seen as supplementary, instead of than primary, sources of alternative energy.
The "sun doesn't shine all the time [and] the wind doesn't blow all the time," he said.
College Republican President Josh Lambert said he was pleased to hear a conservative politician express interest in energy policy and investment.
"It seems like the Left has kind of capitalized on that lingo, that they're the only ones who care [about energy and climate control] but no, we do too," he said. "It's great to hear one of our most conservative members talking about different ways our side of the aisle can contribute and propose ideas to make America more energy independent."
Allen also endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell in his speech, defending him when one audience member asked the former governor about the candidate's controversial conservative college thesis, in which he condemned homosexuality and said government should favor traditional marriage.
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