Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Americans rely heavily upon fossil fuels to meet our national energy needs. However, given the world's finite supply of fossil fuels, the toll on our environment, and the unpredictability of international markets, it is imperative that the United States establish a strategy with more long-term stability.

Addressing global warming

Scientific researchers have observed melting glaciers and sea ice, consistently high average temperatures, and even an increased frequency of extreme weather events. These climate changes are not simply an environmental concern, but bear human and economic costs.

Congressional Climate Change Caucus - To address global warming in Congress, I founded and continue to co-chair the Congressional Climate Change Caucus, which serves as a forum to build support for proactive policy.

Climate Stewardship Act - I am also one of the authors of H.R. 620, the Climate Stewardship Act. This legislation is a market-based cap and trade proposal that would set sensible emissions standards and enable trading of emissions to make going green profitable and encourage innovation. The Climate Stewardship Act would address greenhouse gas emissions for a full range of sectors - electricity generation, transportation, industrial, and commercial economic - and require a 75% overall reduction by 2050. It is time for the United States to become a leader in the fight against global warming.

In individual terms

I recognize that when oil and gas prices are exceptionally high, consumers need relief. The percentage of income that many families have to spend on gas and oil when they are already pinched is unacceptable. I oppose tax breaks for big oil, since I believe that the oil companies have enjoyed years of privilege, since I have observed their recent profits, and since they have a poor track record of passing along savings to consumers. Instead, I support targeted aid to those in need, as well as domestic and international policies that provide near-term assistance without compromising long-term goals. Some examples:

The Weatherization Assistance Program - hires certified contractors to complete, at no cost to the occupant, weatherization work such as air sealing, attic insulation, and weather stripping for low-income families.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - reimburses low-income families and seniors across the nation for their home heating costs. In Massachusetts, with its famous cold winters, LIHEAP assists an average of 140,000 households a year.

Energy efficiency - Increasing energy efficiency is one of the most immediate ways to reduce demand for fuel and cut back energy bills. Therefore, I support tax credits for Energy Star purchases, as well as increased use of energy-efficient products and construction by the federal government. A particularly striking example of the benefits of increasing efficiency comes from the landmark energy bill that Congress passed in December of 2007: provisions to increase building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030.

Broad market actions - I have consistently voted for legislation to address gas gouging and speculation, as well as proposals to allow the Justice Department to sue the organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for price fixing. In addition, in my role as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I am an advocate for expanding public transportation and improving rail service.

Comprehensive Energy Reform

The 110th Congress has made bold steps, but also first steps, towards energy reform.

CAFÉ Standards - I am proud to say that in December of 2007, with my support, Congress passed the first increase in vehicle fuel efficiency standards in more than thirty years, upping Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to a fleetwide average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Since approximately two-thirds of US oil consumption is in the transportation sector, these improved standards will make a major dent in greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this effort alone will reduce U.S. oil consumption by 4 million barrels per day by 2030: more than twice our daily imports from the Persian Gulf.

Renewable and Alternative Fuels - Another top priority of mine, as well as the 110th Congress as a whole, is to extend the tax credits for wind, solar, biomass, and other types of renewable energy. These tax credits support a burgeoning industry and help us move away from dirty and increasingly expensive fuels. I am always seeking new opportunities to expand our use of alternative fuels, from tax incentives for hybrid cars to greater investment in research. The need is great and the rewards are twofold: environmental and individual. It is time for the United States to take action to mitigate global warming, grow our economy, and improve our energy security.

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