Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

I support a comprehensive "all-of-the-above" energy policy that pursues expanding traditional American energy sources, investing in renewable sources such as wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, in addition to focusing on energy efficiency, conservation and nuclear energy. Energy prices have been too high for too long and America relies too heavily for supply from countries in dangerous places in the world. That is why it is time for America to pursue a strategy of long-term energy independence that achieves greater price stability.

I believe that Congress must allow for increased domestic supply by opening up American resources to energy production. This includes permitting energy exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), approving the Keystone XL pipeline, and allowing construction of new nuclear facilities.

Keystone XL Pipeline

It has been over five years since the first permits were filed to begin construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Unfortunately, President Obama, the State Department, and the Democrat controlled Senate continue to obstruct the project despite numerous years of environmental review and vast public support for the pipeline. On May 22, 2013, the Republican controlled House of Representatives passed the Northern Route Approval Act (H.R. 3), which would finally allow for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline by ending the Administration's review tactics that delay completion. TransCanada, the company set to build the pipeline, estimates it will invest $7 billion within the U.S. to complete the project and expects approximately 20,000 jobs to be created as a result.

Regulations

Recently, the EPA has released a set of far-reaching proposed rules that, if enacted, will cripple energy production and hurt consumers across the nation. To combat these onerous and unnecessary rules, I joined with my colleagues to pass H.R. 1582, the Energy Consumers Relief Act. This legislation prohibits the EPA from finalizing energy-related regulations estimated to cost more than $1 billion if the Energy Department determines that the regulations will cause significant adverse effects to the economy.

Oil & Natural Gas

In June, I voted for two bills that passed the House of Representatives that would increase domestic energy production and put Americans back to work. H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, would enhance the development of new offshore oil and natural gas production, provide the framework for new coastal lease sales, and ensure a more efficient oversight and permitting process. H.R. 1613, the Outer Continental Shelf Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreements Authorization Act, would allow for additional exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in a specific part of the Gulf of Mexico.

These bills tear down barriers to energy production and make significant changes that will allow for increased oil and natural gas production in federal waters. They also reduce import dependence while increasing job creation, economic growth, and the energy security of our nation.

Our energy independence is critical to the success of every American family, business, and community. I believe that it is past time to champion American-made energy. The prosperity of the United States and our economy depend on it.

I believe that Congress should:

Increase energy production in an environmentally-safe way.
* Expand exploration of natural gas, oil, and coal at home.
* Promote clean coal-to-liquid supplies and recover and explore vast oil shale reserves.
* Reduce our dependence of foreign energy sources by unleashing domestic supply.

Develop new, clean, and reliable energy sources.
* Exercise new, safe, clean, and renewable nuclear energy options.

* Harness America's vast natural gas supply and utilize clean-burning natural gas.
* Further pursue new renewable solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power alternatives.

Cut red tape, limit unnecessary government regulations, and increase supply.
* Expedite the energy production permitting process so that federal lands can be safely and smartly drilled for American energy.
* Improve environmental review strategies so that the Administration cannot hide behind bureaucratic maneuvers to stop American energy production.

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