Issue Position: Energy & Conservation

Issue Position

Georgia is at the forefront of energy innovation -- creating jobs and charting a new path for our nation. From solar to energy grid investments, Georgia companies are leading the way and putting our state at the forefront of a 21st century clean energy economy.

20 years ago, it would have been unimaginable that North America would export more energy than it imports. Today, thanks to new domestic sources of natural gas and oil alongside technological advancements in renewable energy, we are more firmly in control of our own energy future than at any time in recent memory.

With that new strength come jobs and opportunities that will allow us to continue building a clean energy future. We must continue to decrease our reliance on foreign oil and confront the challenges of climate change. Georgia companies like Georgia Power are leading the way in reducing reliance on coal and expanding the use of natural gas. We need to take advantage of all of our resources. That means using everything we have: from natural gas and solar to nuclear power.

I firmly believe we can continue moving our country toward energy independence and a clean energy future while still protecting our kids' health and conserving our natural heritage. Our state is extraordinarily beautiful -- from the Appalachian Mountains to our bountiful plains, lowlands, and the shoreline of our incomparable coast. These wonders aren't just assets that we need to protect for future generations, they help boost our state's economy by bringing naturalists, families, and sportsmen to explore the splendor of our state.

Promoting a Clean Energy Economy

I am proud of the tremendous progress Georgia has made in establishing a clean energy economy. Atlanta has become an important innovation hub in the South and is the 7th largest metro clean tech economy in the country.

Georgia is helping lead America towards an economy that benefits from clean energy investment. We have made huge advances in solar power, becoming one of the fastest growing solar energy markets in the country. Georgia's solar energy companies are investing in our state and helping increase the amount of energy we use from renewable sources.

Currently $32 billion leaves Georgia each year to pay for petroleum, natural gas, and coal. But when we supply our energy needs from within our own state, the money stays in Georgia, creating jobs and multiplying the benefits throughout our economy.

I believe that Washington must create the conditions for these clean energy companies to thrive. This means reducing the uncertainty surrounding renewable energy tax incentives and investing in public-private partnerships that advance clean energy research.

Since 2008, America has more than doubled its renewable energy generation and in 2013 it added nearly 80,000 clean energy jobs to the economy, proving that not only does clean energy help the environment, but that it's also a smart investment.

Responsibly Developing Traditional Energy Sources

New technologies have enabled us to dramatically increase our domestic oil and natural gas production. In 2005, we imported around 60% of the oil we consumed. By 2014, the number dropped to just 32%, and as production continues to increase, we should import even less oil. Discoveries of natural gas have dramatically lowered energy costs and helped us reduce the amount of electricity we consume from coal-fired plants. Cheap domestic energy prices have allowed American companies, and in particular the manufacturing industry, to benefit from the competitive advantage and increase production.

These new developments have greatly enhanced our energy security by making us less reliant on foreign countries for our energy needs. These developments also mean that Georgians can benefit from lower energy bills and more jobs. However, we must navigate responsibly increased gas and oil production. This means greater transparency in monitoring the environmental and safety impacts of fracking to ensure that our environment and the health of our citizens remain a paramount priority.

Investing in Infrastructure

Developing renewable and traditional sources of energy requires an investment in energy infrastructure. Georgia Power, in partnership with the Department of Energy, recently completed a jointly funded smart grid improvement project. Projects such as this one demonstrate how public-private partnerships can improve infrastructure and energy efficiency.

If we are going to compete globally, we must continue to invest in these kinds of projects -- projects that may not be headline grabbers but that provide the foundation necessary for truly advancing innovation and meeting 21st century energy demands.

Combating Climate Change

The science is clear: we need to encourage investment in clean renewable energy that will create jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Climate change is already having an impact on our nation; and in Georgia rising sea levels could have a significant effect on our coastal regions. Communities like Tybee Island and St. Mary's are already confronting climate change -- and we need to implement sensible protections to ensure these treasures are protected for future generations.

Georgia has been a leader in expanding our clean energy industry to create jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Georgia Power is already shifting to cleaner-burning natural gas and expanding our use of solar energy; and Georgia workers are producing wind turbines and building the nation's first new nuclear power plant in three decades.

But Washington continues to kick the can down the road and ignore the dangers of climate change. I believe we have a moral obligation to act now so that the effects of climate change do not harm our children and grandchildren.

Safeguarding Clean Air and Water

Every American and every Georgian deserves clean air and water. We shouldn't have to worry about whether our children will suffer from dirty air or become sick from pollutants in our water.

According to the American Lung Association, over 140 million people still live where ozone or particle pollution levels make the air unhealthy to breathe. In the Atlanta region, there are significant challenges as we work to improve the quality of our air. We must encourage cleaner transportation options to protect Georgia families, especially children, from the impact of harmful air pollution.

Although the quality of America's drinking water is high, there is concern that failing infrastructure and increased pollution could severely damage our water system. We must continue to support efforts to help reduce pollution and prevent our water sources from contamination. Smart, cost-effective measures can help preserve our landscapes and water sources.

Encouraging Land Conservation

Georgia has been a leader in preserving and protecting our shared natural heritage. State and local governments have partnered with individuals and private conservation groups to protect Georgia's open spaces and ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy them just as we do.

These efforts have also prompted a significant return on investment. Georgians spend billions each year on hunting, hiking and other resource-based recreational activities that are supported by the state's wildlife management areas. And the state's 300,000 acres of tidal marshes are home to fisheries and migratory birds that contribute to the local economy.

I support land conservation initiatives such as the expansion of the Ocmulgee National Monument and efforts to help it attain national park status. We must continue to promote these initiatives and encourage public-partnerships that enable Georgia to preserve its natural spaces.

Protecting Wildlife

Disappearing habitat, changing ecosystems and acidifying oceans have put thousands of species at risk for extinction. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes says that climate change puts 20% to 30% of species at higher risk of extinction by 2100.

As one of the most biologically diverse states, Georgia helps protect over 60 rare species of plants and animals. State and local governments, along with a coalition of hunters and conservation groups, all recognize the need to protect Georgia's wildlife and their habitats.

These efforts preserve Georgia's diversity and provide medicinal, agricultural and recreational benefits to Georgia families.

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