CWCS Energy Advocacy and Fuel Policy Positions
During a period of active outreach, CWCS supported a range of national energy policies aligned with its mission to protect responsible access to public lands while balancing environmental and economic concerns.
1970s Energy Planning and Fuel Prices
CWCS emphasized how decades of limited domestic energy planning, starting after the 1970s energy crisis, contributed to higher fuel costs. The organization warned that increased gas prices negatively affect tourism, transportation, and the cost of living, particularly in communities near wilderness areas like the Boundary Waters.
CWCS advocated for greater energy independence through domestic oil development, citing sites such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), offshore coastal zones, and shale reserves. U.S.-based drilling was viewed as subject to stronger environmental regulations than foreign alternatives.
Alternative Fuel Perspectives
One of CWCS’s key positions involved concerns about large-scale ethanol production. The group cited:
- Ethanol’s lower fuel efficiency compared to gasoline
- Grassland conversion for corn production affects soil and water resources
- Inflation in food prices is due to the corn demand
- Ineffective government subsidies that failed to reduce fossil fuel dependency
Diesel Efficiency Proposal
CWCS endorsed a national proposal from retired truck driver Ron Tolliver aimed at reducing diesel use across the trucking industry. The plan included:
- Mandating Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) on long-haul trucks
- Reducing diesel use by over 6 billion gallons annually
- Lowering CO₂ emissions and noise pollution
At the time, CWCS advocated for including such measures in broader energy or climate legislation.
Broader Energy Strategy
CWCS also supported a long-term, diversified energy approach that included:
- Constructing new U.S. oil refineries
- Revitalizing domestic rail infrastructure to reduce trucking-related fuel use
- Advancing research in alternative technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, nuclear power, wind, and solar energy
