Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Energy

We have within our grasp the opportunity to address two of the biggest challenges facing our country: historically high unemployment rates and a dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Both of these issues can be addressed by adopting an all-of-the-above energy strategy in America.

For too long Americans have been sending billions of dollars to dictators, like Hugo Chavez, whose values are diametrically opposed to ours. We need to create high-paying energy sector jobs right here in Virginia. This will allow American workers to tap American sources of energy to fuel American homes and businesses.

I have been a vocal proponent of unleashing the job-creating potential of Virginia's coastal energy. In June 2012, the House passed my legislation to open the Outer Continental Shelf off the Atlantic Coast, where 3.8 billion barrels of oil are known to exist. The legislation could produce as many as 18,000 local jobs and would help move America away from its dangerous reliance on foreign oil.

Beyond that, energy presents the number one opportunity for our region to diversify its economy. Here in Hampton Roads, we have been somewhat shielded from the recession because of our region's heavy dependence on the federal government and defense dollars. While I will fight to maintain our defense budget, we must look for other areas to develop and grow.

We, as Americans, face two futures: a future that keeps us locked at 8+% unemployment and at the mercy of foreign countries for our fuel, or a future where we can live independently from the chaos of the Middle East oil market and put America back on a path to prosperity.

We can choose the right path. The time for this hard work is now. We are Americans. Together, we can do this!

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