The rhetoric surrounding the Presidential election is now picking up, especially after both parties recent conventions. Traditional topics are still front and center - education, the economy, and foreign policy to name a few. But now there is s new wrinkle.

As someone who pays more than he wants to at the gasoline pump and is concerned about how US energy policy affects other decisions made in Washington, I am cautiously optimistic about the potential to see some meaninful change in our energy dependence. Unlike elections in the past, energy and energy policy are now taking a higher profile.

Take a look at what each of the candidates are saying about their energy policy:

• McCain’s Lexington Project - http://www.johnmccain.com//Informing/Issues/17671aa4-2fe8-4008-859f-0ef1468e96f4.htm
• Obama’s New Energy for America - http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy

Will anything change — if energy independence is important to you, I encourage you to become familiar with the candidates platforms and make your voice heard!