Issue Position: Energy & Environment

Issue Position

"I oppose cap-and-trade because it will increase energy costs and Connecticut already pays the highest electricity rates in the continental U.S."

I recognize the fundamental importance of protecting the environment, and I am committed to greater environmental sustainability, cleaner air, energy efficiency and conservation. Because of this, I support efforts to develop and expand alternatives and renewable forms of energy including solar, wind, hydro, nuclear and natural gas. I believe dependence on foreign oil supplies is unsustainable in the long-term, and I believe it creates national security risks. I support environmentally responsible domestic oil exploration offshore, but I believe states should decide whether to allow drilling in their waters.

I oppose cap-and-trade legislation because it will increase energy costs and Connecticut already pays the highest electricity rates in the continental U.S. Moreover, multiple studies report that a CO2 reduction would cost an average household $455-5,000 a year. I oppose proposals that will hurt families and businesses that are already having a difficult time paying the bills. Additionally, some of the world's biggest polluters (i.e. China, India and Russia) remain unregulated. We should not put American businesses at a competitive disadvantage to those in developing countries.

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