Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) - The U.S. imports over 65% of the nation's needed petroleum. Beneath a tract of land called the Coastal Plain on the North Slope of Alaska, it is estimated to hold between 3 and 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil. The Coastal Plain could produce up to 1.5 million barrels per day for at least 25 years - nearly 25% of current daily U.S. production. Moreover, the U.S. would save $14 billion per year in oil imports and it's estimated that between 250,000 and 735,000 jobs are to be created by development of the Coastal Plain. Development of ANWR would reduce dependence on foreign oil, create jobs and save money…I fully support the exploration and development of this area for oil production.

Alternative Energy Sources - We MUST increase our energy resources as quickly as possible and those resources should come from home, not another country. We MUST reduce our excessive dependence on foreign oil and become more sustainable in the process. Energy costs need to come down and we need to do this with a high level of environmental awareness in this process. Leading economists agree that any actions that will increase future energy supplies will lead to lower energy prices today. If it's our goal to lower the cost of gas and diesel, create jobs and enhance our national security then the energy sector is where we should start.

I fully support the research and development of alternative energy sources such as hydro, wind and solar power. I am a proponent of a possible long-term energy tax credit for all renewable power sources.

I am also a supporter of nuclear power. Nuclear energy is the most reliable zero-carbon-emissions source of energy that we have. I will pursue dramatic increases in the use of all forms of safe, affordable, reliable -- and clean -- nuclear power.

Cap and Trade - It would kill jobs by driving up energy costs for manufacturers. Cap and Trade leads to driving up prices for middle-class families and small businesses and shipping more American jobs overseas.

We have to decrease dependence on foreign energy sources and must start developing it here in the states more quickly with more energy exploration and production here at home. Cap and trade is ultimately an immediate tax burden on families, which I will not support.

Source