Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Kansas has a rich history of being an energy producing state because we recognize that all forms of fuel - oil, gas, coal, nuclear and wind -- have a role to play in making America more secure.

Our oil and gas industry provides tens of thousands of good paying jobs; it is a bedrock employer for rural communities all across Kansas. These natural resources have been an important part of our past, and as Governor, I'll make sure they're an important part of our future.

We also have significant opportunities in the area of renewable energy. Ten percent of our power now comes from renewable sources like wind, and if I'm elected Governor, I'll work to meet our goal of 20 percent by 2020.

With this new energy, come new jobs. Hundreds of "Green' jobs have already been created in Hutchinson and Newton and this prosperity deserves to be spread to every corner of our Great State. As a small business owner, I understand what it will take to continue attracting new companies and new investments to our state.

Kansas didn't become a windy state overnight -- we've been this way for 150 years; after all, Kansas wind is a way of life.

But it wasn't until we made it a priority that rural communities saw the jobs, the progress and the success of the past couple years.

It wasn't until leaders put the politics of the past behind them and brought everyone to the table, that we had comprehensive energy legislation in Kansas.

That's the kind of Governor I will be -- one with the right priorities, the right focus -- a governor who is able to rise above the partisan politics and bring people to the table to find solutions.

We must have a balanced approach to energy policy that increases domestic oil and gas production, improves energy efficiency, expands renewable energy and builds new transmission lines to export Kansas energy to customers throughout the Midwest.

If I'm Governor, we can look forward to new jobs, more power and a stronger economy as a result of our efforts.

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