Issue Position: Transportation - Fuel Prices

Issue Position

Keeping Fuel Prices Affordable

The rising price of fuel is hurting families across Montana. The answer to the current price spike lies in increasing our national energy supply. The research, development, and implementation of refining technologies is under way for a wide variety of cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, and coal-to-liquid fuel technologies. All of these technologies will put to use the resources that Montana has in abundance, and they will help the Treasure State to live up to its name by playing an important role in the national energy portfolio.

In the short term, incentives must be put in place for conservation and energy efficiency. As chairman of the Finance Committee, I have worked hard and will continue to emphasize the importance of those points in creating tax incentives for hybrid vehicles, green buildings, and high energy-efficiency standards.

Improving Access to Clean Coal Technology

The U.S. has the largest recoverable coal reserve in the world - 275 billion tons - and Montana holds more than 119 billion tons of that. Weaning the U.S. off of oil depends on developing a number of our national and renewable resources. Coal liquefaction is one of the most promising avenues. Full development of the U.S. coal-to-fuel industry could replace imported oil with low emissions diesel made from Montana coal. That is why I have authored and passed tax credits and loan guarantees for coal-to-liquid plants and coal-fired power plants that use cutting-edge technology to significantly reduce the carbon dioxide and other emissions that contribute to climate change.

Leading the Charge to Encourage Biofuel Technologies

Biofuels are an exciting energy source for Montanans. Montana can play an important role in a national energy portfolio through biofuel and cellulosic ethanol production using switchgrass, camelina, forest products, and agricultural byproducts. Clean, renewable, domestic fuel products will lessen our current dependence on foreign fossil fuels, and will put money in the pockets of our farmers and ranchers.

As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I am looking forward to leading the charge on biofuel technology development and implementation. Tax incentives and financing assistance will help to spur development, and work to ensure Montanans get a role to play in, and benefits from, the growing biofuel industry.

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