In order to ensure America's long-term prosperity and national security, it is vital that we pursue a long overdue strategy for energy independence.
As a Congressman, I will aggressively promote investment in green and renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power. Wind is already the cheapest form of energy available to us per Kw/h, and the cost of solar drops every month. The future is here, and other nations, from China to Germany, are investing in it heavily. It's time to make sure that America does not fall behind the other leading forces in the economy. Energy independence and sustainable development can go hand in hand. All we need are leaders in office who are willing to take us there.
One of the most important factors in this conversation will be garnering support for technological innovation in the alternative energy sector. We need to make sure that the Unites States remains at the cutting edge of developing technologies, and does not fall behind the other industrial economies which are willing to explore there. The only way to promote "green innovation" is through investment in the development of green jobs at home.
The Department of Energy estimates that 30% of all energy waste occurs in the commercial sector -- that costs over $60 billion each year. That money can and should be pumped back into our economy, to stimulate job growth and grow our tax revenue base. We should create an entrepreneurial environment for "green companies" to start-up and innovate.