McCain Announces Intentions to Pursue Energy Independence

Republican presidential candidate John McCain explained his intentions to pursue energy independence, according to Jeff Mason of Reuters, in a Tuesday night speech held just outside of New Orleans. McCain clarified how his policies differ from those of current President George W. Bush in an attempt to differentiate himself from the fellow Republican in the eyes of the people.

McCain's campaign strategy to separate himself from the current President is in the spotlight after Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has stated on numerous occasions that McCain and Bush are very similar in their policies. McCain described in his speech how he did not agree with the current dependence on foreign oil and explained how he believes there needs to be a drastic change in the country's energy policy.

According to Mason, McCain was quoted as saying, "No problem is more urgent today than America's dependence on foreign oil. The problem threatens the U.S. economy, its security and the environment." A key statement that McCain made in regards to a potential change in the energy policy during his speech was, "We must encourage industries to pursue alternative, non-polluting and renewable energy sources, where demand will never exceed supply."