When it comes to making sensible energy policy, Congresswoman Mary Bono has zeroed in on a critical component that the White House seems to have had difficulty accepting – energy efficiency. By using energy more efficiently, we free up new energy supplies with little or no pollution, and get more for our energy dollar. What’s not to like?

In seeking a presidential directive for Western federal facilities to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent (LA Times article, May10), Congresswoman Bono is reminding the White House that efficiency is both an effective short-term response to the current energy situation and a long-term, business-like management strategy. By reducing their consumption 20 percent, federal facilities will not only free up significant new energy supplies but also reduce their operating costs, a favor to taxpayers in California and across the U.S.

Republicans for Environmental Protection strongly urges President Bush and Vice President Cheney to put efficiency first in the national energy policy they will release next week. To put our energy house in order, we must start by eliminating energy waste.

REP thanks Congresswoman Bono for keeping the spotlight turned on energy efficiency. As Theodore Roosevelt knew, conservation is the conservative thing to do.