Sen. Susan Collins deserves praise for her 10-point energy plan which calls for the U.S. to set a goal of energy independence by 2020. I appreciate this common-sense approach: if we don’t set the goal, we can never achieve it.

Sen. Collins understands that the United States must reduce our dependence on foreign oil for economic and environmental reasons, as well as for national security reasons. She is calling on Congress to repeal huge tax breaks to big oil companies and use the billions of dollars in revenue for energy efficiency initiatives. She is also calling for increased funding for research and development of and tax credits for production of tidal, geothermal, solar, and wind energy.

Kudos to Sen. Collins for promoting a smart energy plan for our state and nation.

Stephanie Drinan

Cape Elizabeth