Aging Infrastructure and Energy Needs

The strength of the U.S. economy is derived from many factors. One of the underlying strengths is our infrastructure. Our system of rails, roads, waterways, municipal services, electrical grids, fuel service stations, markets, irrigation canals and ports is unparalleled in the world. It allows our economy to function smoothly and efficiently.

That infrastructure is showing signs of aging. Part of the problems stemming from Hurricane Katrina and the recent flooding along the Mississippi River are a result of that aging infrastructure. It is something to which we as a country must attend in the coming decades or we will see a gradual decline of our strength.

As we examine that underpinning of our economy, we must consider our wise use of the energy resources at our disposal currently and the development of new energy technologies. If we truly desire to gain energy independence as a country we must lay a forward-thinking plan that will efficiently incorporate new technologies into our vision for revitalizing that infrastructure.

One area of infrastructure that needs close examination is that of energy conservation. By that I mean that roads and rails have profound influence on patterns of housing and business location. Growth of suburban areas create demands for new water, sewer and waste disposal as well as new power distribution systems. As our urban areas sprawl, we create demands on those services that require greater use of energy than if the development was more compact. That sprawl also adds to commute times and distances and thus the need for more roadways. The increased paving of roadways adds to the urban heat pockets which exacerbate the need for cooling during summer months.

Wide-area planning and zoning is a subject that creates difficulty for us true believers in free enterprise. After all, I have no desire for a government authority to come to me and say that I cannot sell my land to a housing developer -- it must remain in agriculture. However, it is something that we must consider as we look to the future and our ability to sustain strong economic growth and yet efficiently use our resources as a country.

The issue of energy independence is closely entangled with our infrastructure issues. It will take great wisdom to see the way to the future -- a future where my grandchildren will, I hope, enjoy the same opportunities that I enjoy today.