I know it is hard to believe, but the election is finally over. Senator Barack Obama's victory in his quest for the presidency, along with substantial gains by the Democrats in Congress, will indeed bring about a change in the policy agenda in Washington for at least the next two years and possibly even the next eight.

What can we expect from an Obama Administration and a solidly Democratic majority in Congress?

Drawing on press accounts, direct statements and the legislative record of President-elect Obama, his advisors and the current leadership in Congress, the Institute for Energy Research has compiled a comprehensive analysis of the changing landscape in the energy and environmental policy arena.

The following is likely to top the energy agenda for President Obama and his allies on Capitol Hill:

• The return of the Outer Continental Shelf and Oil Shale energy moratorium that would place those domestic areas with the most oil and gas potential off limits.
  
• The imposition of an indirect energy tax (cap and trade) that would impose massive costs on American families and consumers, while putting our businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
  
• The imposition of renewable energy mandates and the subsidization of a government created "green jobs" program fashioned after FDR's "Civilian Conservation Corps."
  
• Enactment of a profits tax on investor-owned oil companies as part of an economic stimulus plan.

Ironically, on election day voters around the country rejected many of these same proposals. Renewable energy mandates in California and increased taxes on oil and gas companies to pay for college scholarships, wildlife conservation, renewable energy, energy-impacted areas and water treatment in Colorado were both voted down. In addition, exit polling showed that 50 percent of Obama supporters support offshore drilling and 67 percent of the total electorate declared their support for increased production of domestic energy.

Please check out our complete early analysis of the energy agenda of the Obama Administration. We hope it serves to provide you with an informative and in-depth look at President-elect Obama's vision for the future of energy policy in the United States.

Best Regards,

Tom Pyle, President

PS: Please consider making a tax-deductible gift of $25, $50 or even $100 so we can continue to inject truth and hard facts into the energy debate. The alarmists are well funded and working aggressively to advance their cause. I hope you’ll consider making a contribution today.