by General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.)

As our energy principles underscore, a consensus policy would do the following: increase all kinds of domestic energy—coal, gas, oil, nuclear, and the entire range of alternative and renewable fuels; upgrade and expand our energy infrastructure so that our power companies and other energy providers can bring new, modern, and cleaner facilities on line without undue delays and overly burdensome regulations; leverage technology to increase efficiency, help us use traditional sources more cleanly, and develop new energy alternatives; and develop a climate change policy that is global in its approach, technology-based, and does not harm the economy or destroy jobs.

Any effort to enhance our energy security while improving the environment must begin with determined leadership by the White House and the Congress—but it cannot end there. Government can do its part by lifting restrictions on domestic energy production while preserving the environment, making smart capital investments in energy infrastructure and new technologies, and sweeping away impediments that deter the creation of new energy facilities or unnecessarily delay the expansion of exiting ones.

But government leaders must recognize that America’s strength lies in its open and competitive markets and the skill, determination, and innovation of the American people. In fact, to meet future energy and environmental challenges requires a concerted effort among government at all levels, the private sector, and society as a whole.

We are optimistic about America’s ability to meet these challenges. Soaring energy prices and deep concerns about climate change have created a unique consensus for action in this country. We must seize it. Our principles can help lead the way.

We can neither rely solely on any one of these components nor drop any from the list of needed actions.  We need to address them all, simultaneously and aggressively. With a challenge this great and urgent, America’s leaders should put differences aside and come together for a common sense approach to supplying our country with abundant and affordable clean energy to sustain our economy at home and our strength abroad.