Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

During my first summer in Congress, nearly every American was affected by soaring gasoline prices, which peaked around $150 dollars a barrel. Hard-working families across Mississippi's First Congressional District shouldn't be victims of price gouging or over-speculation in the marketplace.

As the only member of the Mississippi delegation to serve on the House Agriculture Committee, I am regularly involved in legislative discussions surrounding energy reform, including the use of alternative energy sources that can help reduce American dependence on foreign oil.

I have routinely voted for measures to help increase domestic energy production and supply while also protecting our environment, and I support increased drilling capacity in the continental U.S. Earlier this year, I voted against "cap and trade" legislation that I felt would have a disproportionately negative effect on Southern regions, as well as the agriculture industry.

I am also committed to research initiatives that can help increase American energy independence. North Mississippi has a vast agricultural resource base, which can be used as a source of alternative fuels and energy infrastructure. Any comprehensive energy plan needs to incorporate the resources Mississippians produce on a daily basis.

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