As the U.S. House of Representatives takes up a package of energy bills this week, debate continues on whether America should focus on increasing its energy supplies or pursuing conservation and energy-efficiency as the way to head off future shortages and curb global warming.

Remaining faithful to the Bush energy plan announced in May, W.J. “Billy” Tauzin’s (R-LA) bill, critics contend, would increase power plant pollution and channel taxpayer dollars into subsidizing so-called “clean” coal and nuclear energy. Another, by James Hansen (R-UT), calls for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Gulf of Mexico off Florida’s coast, and other sensitive areas.

Other legislators have proposed amendments to the energy bills that would, instead, force automakers to increase vehicles’ fuel-efficiency – the single biggest step Congress can take to cut our oil consumption and reduce global warming.

Scientists, inventors and policy analysts agree that we have the technology and the resources now to build more efficient vehicles (the number one source of air pollution and a major contributor to global warming) – and build a safer, more secure energy future for our children.

Will more coal plants, more nuclear plants, and opening more public lands to drilling solve America’s energy woes? If the auto industry can make cars more fuel-efficient, why aren’t they?