Jim Neal and Kay Hagan (and the rest) debate energy policy:

Hagan, contrary to the other three candidates on stage, would not dismiss the possibility of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a way to soften soaring gas prices — an idea often proposed by Republicans but rejected by congressional Democrats.

“I think that’s an issue of a cost-benefit ratio,” Hagan said. “You’ve got to look at how much oil is there, how long it will last, and what is the risk from an environmental standpoint. I will really study the cost-benefit analysis.”

…..Neal, a Chapel Hill corporate financial adviser, immediately said he opposed the proposal, suggesting that the nation could instead look at tapping into the nation’s large strategic petroleum reserve. President Bush has said it’s important to continue pumping oil into the reserve in case of an international disruption in oil markets.

“I don’t believe we can begin talking about plundering our natural environment in order to generate more oil on the marketplace,” said Neal, an entrepreneur.

As for calls around here for federal subsidies of wind and solar power, I’ve got news: when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, they don’t work.