Leading by Example, by Bill Richardson: on Government Reform

Use regulated free market for food, drugs, land, & energy

This is how we operate our economy across many levels. For example, the Federal Reserve regulates the money supply. Similarly, we regulate what foods and medicines are allowed in the US marketplace through the FDA.

We might have the greatest “free market” in the world, but we are increasingly sensible and practical about the basic rules we apply in that free market. It’s time for us to learn how to use and improve existing energy markets. Why?

1. Because our individual interests in energy use have misserved the national interest in energy independence.
2. We need to “intervene” in the energy markets because the types of energy we have become most reliant on are also the most damaging to the atmosphere.