Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

I support a comprehensive "all of the above" energy strategy that utilizes our abundant energy resources. Through a commitment to North American energy production, we can ensure a steady supply of affordable and reliable energy, spur domestic job creation and manufacturing, and fortify our long-term energy security. With advancements in technology and innovation, we are experiencing a new era of energy abundance with the discovery and subsequent production of game-changing oil and natural gas reserves. Building the infrastructure to move these supplies to consumers is emerging as the real challenge of the 21st century.

Creating Jobs through the Keystone XL Pipeline Project

Energy security is both a matter of national security and economic security. That is why I am a major proponent of the Keystone XL pipeline -- a $7 billion private-sector infrastructure project that will create tens of thousands of U.S. jobs and bring nearly 1 million barrels of Canadian oil to U.S. refineries per day. My committee has heard firsthand from Niles manufacturer Delta Industrial Valves on how this project will benefit local employers. After five years of regulatory delay and more than 15,500 pages of federal environmental review, the time to approve Keystone is now. In May 2013, the House passed the Energy and Commerce Committee's bipartisan Northern Route Approval Act (H.R. 3) to clear away the project's remaining regulatory and legal hurdles, including removal of the requirement for a Presidential Permit.

Pipelines remain the safest and most environmentally sound way to transport energy supplies. Last Congress, I worked with Michigan Congressman John Dingell, the former Democratic Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, to craft and shepherd through comprehensive pipeline safety legislation that was signed into law in January 2012.

Advancing Renewable Energy Resources

An "all of the above" energy plan also means the advancement of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.

In 2013, the Congress passed bipartisan Energy and Commerce legislation (H.R. 267) that eliminates some of the regulatory inefficiencies in the hydropower licensing process, allowing companies to reduce the amount of time and money wasted in navigating unnecessary administrative obstacles and instead focus on creating jobs and providing affordable electricity. Now law, this bipartisan legislation has great promise for increased hydropower development, including here in Michigan, which has significant potential for small hydro projects. In addition, Michigan manufacturers produce many of the components vital to the hydropower industry, enhancing the positive economic benefits. H.R. 267 was signed into law in August 2013.

Supporting the Advancement of Safe Nuclear Power

Southwest Michigan is home to two nuclear power plants -- D.C. Cook and Palisades -- which not only provide our region with a steady supply of energy, but employ nearly 2,000 people and account for the largest revenue sources in Berrien and Van Buren counties. I support a visionary nuclear policy to create jobs, spur manufacturing, and reduce our reliance upon traditional fossil fuels.

When it comes to nuclear energy, it is absolutely critical to make sure these plants operate safely. I have remained in close contact with officials at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Entergy Corporation to make sure Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert Township operates at the highest levels of safety. Following a tank leak in May 2013, I brought NRC Commissioner Kristine Svinicki to the facility for a firsthand inspection and to make sure all necessary actions were taken.

I also support a permanent storage site for our nation's used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The need is urgent as spent fuel and waste continues to accumulate at sites across the country that were never designed for long-term storage. My Energy and Commerce Committee has continued to examine the work of the NRC to address the management and disposal of this material to ensure the public and environment remain protected.

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