Issue Position: Energy Policy

Issue Position

America needs an "all-of-the-above" energy policy that takes advantage of all the domestic energy options we have. To make that happen, our energy security requires a four-part plan: 1) utilizing traditional fuels, including oil, coal and nuclear energy; 2) improving our efficiency by learning to do more with less; 3) developing alternatives like wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal etc.; and 4) investing in technologies that allow us to invent our way into energy independence.

Today, we are more dependent on foreign oil than ever before. In fact, 56-percent of our oil supply comes from foreign sources, which is a 20-percent increase over the 1973 Arab oil embargo levels. The Department of Energy predicts that in less than 20 years, America will rely on foreign countries for nearly 65 percent of our energy needs. This is not only a threat to our economy; it is a threat to our national security.

Unfortunately, our energy problems are not confined to oil production. Despite growing demand, our natural gas production has fallen 14 percent since 1973. Yet, nearly 40-percent of our gas resources in the Rocky Mountains are off-limits to production and most of the submerged lands under federal waters are off-limits to gas leasing until 2012.

While Montana coal supplies 60% of our energy in the state, and much is shipped to other states for their energy needs, federal regulations continue to put up barriers for us to move forward with new developments such as carbon sequestration. By investing in research and technology, clean coal can still be a part of our energy future.

Fortunately, America has the tools to confront these energy problems, and we must use them. We must take steps to increase domestic energy production through access to and exploration of oil and gas prospects, new and expanded energy delivery infrastructure, advanced coal technology, nuclear power, and solar and wind power. We also have to explore alternative renewable fuels, such as ethanol, which burns clean and supplies an important and profitable market for agriculture products.

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