Issue Position: Energy Independence
Issue Position
Issue Position: Energy Independence
Melissa Hart knows there is no silver bullet solution to the energy crisis which is hobbling our nation's citizens and her economy. In order to address this situation, we must face the realities and make smarter choices. America must take charge of our energy future by accessing known domestic resources off-shore, in Alaska and the west. We must also plan for our future by aggressively developing clean, renewable, reliable and less costly energy sources.
A comprehensive energy plan is required to ensure America's economic strength. Energy independence will make us stronger and more competitive, enhance our economy, spur job creation, and promote our nation's security. We cannot continue on our current course while other nations pass us in energy development. It is not in America's interest to rely on these nations --especially those who do not share America's interests, for our energy supply.
American ingenuity can propel us toward energy independence and create American jobs. No matter what challenge our country has faced, Americans, given the tools and freedom to pursue solutions, have met every challenge.
To meet these challenges, Melissa proposes an energy policy that puts all the options on the table:
* Supporting policies that encourage the development of wind and solar energy, which could create manufacturing jobs here in Western Pennsylvania;
* Putting an end to America's dependence on foreign oil by exploring for American oil and natural gas off our coasts and opening up restricted areas in Alaska for exploration;
* Expanding the use of clean coal technology, so we can and will use this abundant and inexpensive resource without reservation;
* Encouraging the construction of more nuclear power facilities which is a clean, efficient and inexpensive energy source already in use in Western Pennsylvania;
* Promoting energy efficiency efforts.
While in Congress, Melissa Hart sponsored and co-sponsored many initiatives to get our country on the path towards energy independence including
* The Energy Efficient Buildings Act of 2006 that would increase and extend the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction. (H.R. 5809, 109th Congress)
* Legislation to prohibit the exportation of Alaskan North Slope crude oil. This would ensure domestically produced oil transported over the Trans-Alaska Pipeline would be developed for our use in America. (H.R. 1147, 107th Congress)
* The Environmental Restoration Act of 2005 that would provide for a transferable businesses tax credit for producing energy from waste coal and the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds for waste coal processing facilities. This would encourage commercialization of clean-burning facilities and a more efficient use of our most abundant resource - coal. (H.R. 3580, 109th Congress)
* The Outer Continental Shelf Natural Gas Relief Act would immediately repeal the Congressional Outer Continental Shelf moratorium that prohibits exploration off our coasts and allow natural gas leasing offshore. It would also revoke the Executive ban on Outer Continental Shelf leasing for energy production. A Governor could object to any lease sales proposed within 20 miles of their shoreline. The bill also includes fiscal incentives in the form of revenue sharing for the states. (H.R. 4318, 109th Congress)
* Legislation that would extend the excise tax credits and refunds for certain liquid fuel and mixtures derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process - which uses left over waste coal. This bill would help to grow our options for using this abundant and inexpensive resource. (H.R. 5453, 109th Congress)
* The Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2006 which would lift the Outer Continental Shelf moratorium for exploration, development, and production activities for oil and natural gas. This legislation recognizes that we would hamstring our economy if we did not open our off shore areas for exploration. (H.R. 4761, 109th Congress)
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