Energy

Today, alternative energies such as wind, solar, and geothermal provide us with the opportunity to move toward energy-self sufficiency.  We must reduce our dependence on unstable and hostile countries in the Middle East by developing our own energy right here in America with new green technologies that will create jobs.

I am committed to the dependable, affordable, and environmentally clean production of energy for America’s future.  I am committed to an energy policy that enhances our economic and national security — and one that includes development of all sources of energy — renewable energy, nuclear, natural gas, clean coal and domestic oil production, as well as any other forms of energy that can become economically viable and affordable to consumers.

If we drill in three domestic areas — the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, the Bakken Formation in North Dakota and Montana as well as off the east coast of our country (as recently proposed by President Obama) — the U.S. could be energy independent within 15 years.

We must invest in the expansion of proven domestic energy sources like natural gas. Clean, safe and efficient domestic energy sources will create new jobs in America and lessen our reliance on foreign oil. Therefore, it is vital that we aggressively develop the infrastructure needed for transmission and delivery of natural gas.

I will also strongly fight any efforts to impose Cap-and-Trade legislation on American consumers.  The last thing we need right now is an energy policy that causes power rates to skyrocket and places our employers at a disadvantage to our global competitors.  Cap-and-Trade in America will permanently cripple our economy, kill jobs and force businesses to move out of the country.