North Carolina's position as the top state for alternative energy research and development is a top priority.

It has become obvious that we are in an energy crisis point in North Carolina and the United States. Gas prices are reaching an astronomical record high, and do not appear likely to go back down. Yet, there seems to be no real solution being grasped by our government at any level.

The people of Cleveland and Gaston counties can change that. I have a plan to invest in alternative energy sources that will not only bring relief to the pain at the pump but also use our human and natural resources to their fullest extent.

For several years now, corn-based ethanol has been touted as our new energy source, but the rise of corn-based ethanol has not alleviated fuel costs and in the end has resulted in higher food prices. North Carolina has the opportunity to be a leader in developing a newer, better, more efficient ethanol product that is made from switchgrass and other energy crops.

Our district and our state has the land, resources, and the right people to become a driving force in the production of ethanol from switchgrass. It means an opportunity to re-invigorate our farming community, and make dormant farmland vibrant and productive once again. Not only can we produce the switchgrass we have the ability to build the distilleries and man them throughout the entire process.

It is time that we encourage and invest in the entrepreneurial spirit to solve our own energy problems. With new technological development, ingenuity, and skill, our region can become the driving force in our nation's declaration of energy independence.

Our state and local governments must be our first customers by switching its entire fleet of vehicles to alternative fuels. Once a large percentage of vehicles on the road are operating from alternative fuels, fueling stations for government and private vehicles featuring alternative fuels will become prevalent.

Furthermore, the state of North Carolina should become a leader in lowering the consumption of energy. North Carolina is a large consumer of energy through both its standing structures and its vehicles. The existing buildings should be made more energy and water efficient, and any new building should be forced to meet strict LEED regulations and energy consumption standards. Through this type of leadership the state government can bring about real change in energy consumption.