Giuliani: Break Reliance on Foreign Oil

Calling the energy supply a major domestic problem, Giuliani said Wednesday that the nation needs to focus on nuclear power production and renewable energy sources. In the meantime it also needs to see what oil can be tapped, he said.

"Energy independence means everything has to be open for discussion," Giuliani said when asked about offshore drilling. "The idea of having more oil under our command, so to speak, or within our orbit probably for some period of time is going to be important. The ultimate goal, however, should be renewable sources of energy."

Florida's congressional delegation has been fighting attempts to open more of the Gulf of Mexico to drilling, saying they are concerned spills could damage the environment and tourism.

During a discussion with Republican state lawmakers, the former New York mayor cited Brazil's use of ethanol as an example the United States should follow.

"Why should they be ahead of us on ethanol?" he said. "We should be ahead of them. That should be our goal."

If the United States concentrates on new or improved technologies for energy production, it can then turn around and sell them to countries such as India and China, which have growing demand, he said.

"That's the way America grows in global trade," Giuliani said. "Energy independence is a great industry for us. Let's think about this like business people."

Giuliani also criticized Democrats for pushing a deadline for a military withdrawal from Iraq, saying it "lacks common sense."

"When in the history of war has a retreating country or army printed out a schedule of their retreat and handed it to their enemy? Forget politics and forget all of this, does that make any sense?" Giuliani said while addressing Republican lawmakers.