Published: August 20, 2008 12:10 am      

Brady, county officials discuss energy

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady met with Walker county officials at the courthouse Tuesday to discuss the energy crisis and the impact it is having on their offices.

All across the table representatives from county law enforcement, and support services related to Brady how the fluctuating fuel costs have played a role in their work.

Brady explained that countrywide copper thefts are increasing, and fuel-pump drive-offs set the tone for the state of America’s energy problem.

Jean Sanders, Public Safety director, assured Brady that the energy crisis would not stop Huntsville Police Department officers from doing their job.

“Curtailing our services to the public is a last resort,” said Sanders.

Many people in the meeting were interested to hear what Congress is doing about the energy crisis, and others complained about the rising food prices as a result of ethanol production.

“Any country that relies on food for its fuel won’t have either after too long,” said Brady. “It’s not smart.”

Brady further said how he was helping to push legislation for more exploration domestically, and tap the fuel sources closer to home like coal.

“We have a 250-year supply of coal to be dug up,” said Brady. “Other countries have already learned how to use it cleanly in cars.”

Despite the serious nature of the discussion at hand, Brady said he is optimistic American ingenuity will carry the nation into better times.