The energy debate has taken a backseat to economic issues as of late but it will resurface soon enough. Rep. Pete Hoekstra (MI) wants America to know he hasn't forgotten how important it is to address regularly. He released a press brief today outlining four steps the country must take to move toward energy freedom.

-- First, we need an energy policy that encourages energy efficiency. Reducing the demand for gasoline, electricity, natural gas and other energy will help hold down prices. In the long run, families and businesses could use the money saved through energy efficiency for other goods and services, helping to strengthen our economy.

-- Second, we need an energy policy that enables us to fully develop American sources of oil and natural gas. Unfortunately, the recent federal stimulus package did nothing to encourage the expansion of American oil and natural gas supplies through offshore energy exploration, development of shale oil deposits or drilling in ANWR.

-- Third, we need an energy policy that recognizes that an adequate and reliable supply of affordable electricity is a necessity and a key factor for the nation's long-term economic health. Families and businesses are increasing their demand for electricity every year. Our state and our nation need new generating plants, but these workhorses of the electric system are not being built.

-- Fourth, we need to explore opportunities for renewable and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen for the future.

He emphasizes these points and a focus on renewable energy sources because the plans of President Obama and other key Democrat lawmakers will take away from the American people.

"Obama and Granholm are willing to gamble huge sums of taxpayer dollars on energy sources that may never be economical while ignoring the need for reliable and affordable energy," said Hoekstra in a press release. "Families and businesses will end up paying higher electric bills while their tax dollars subsidize the development of power sources that are far more expensive and, as Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has said, will require 'scientific breakthroughs' to become economically viable."