Efficient, reliable energy is at the heart of nearly every aspect of American life and business and impacts US foreign and domestic policy. Energy policy should aim to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while increasing access to various forms of clean energy.
To reduce our dependence on foreign oil, Congress should lift restrictions on clean drilling in our own territory. Continuing to expand the exploration and production of natural gas will continue to prove beneficial for our local and national economy. Wind, solar, nuclear, and geothermal energy are viable alternative sources of energy, and the free market has the capacity to advance these technologies.
I oppose Cap and Trade legislation which would tax fossil fuels, raise energy prices, and force consumers into alternative fuels prematurely. Controlling markets in this fashion is not an appropriate role of government and cripples the economy. While the environment should be protected and climate change studies may be justified, global warming theories should not drive national energy policy without clearer evidence.
For even more fundamental, constitutional reasons, I oppose EPA policy and regulatory efforts to penalize the energy industry. It is entirely inappropriate for any federal agency to circumvent the separation of powers in an attempt to achieve regulation that would never pass Congress as legislation. Burdensome regulations on the energy industry increase the costs for all Americans. However, low-income families spend a larger portion of their income on utilities and are hit especially hard when excessive regulations drive up energy costs.