Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Today, alternative energies such as wind, solar, and geothermal provide us with the opportunity to move toward energy self-sufficiency. We must reduce our dependence on unstable and hostile countries by developing our own energy right here in America with new green technologies that will create jobs.

I am committed to the dependable, affordable, and environmentally clean production of energy for America's future. I am committed to an energy policy that enhances our economic and national security -- and one that includes development of all sources of energy -- renewable energy, nuclear, natural gas, clean coal and domestic oil production, as well as any other forms of energy that can become economically viable and affordable to consumers.

We need to allow leasing, exploration, and production in more areas in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and the Alaskan Coastal Plain where 10.4 billion barrels of oil are estimated to lie beneath the surface -- to achieve energy independence. One immediate step that should be taken is the approval of the fourth phase of the Keystone pipeline which would create thousands of jobs and deliver 700,000 barrels of oil per day.

We must also invest in the expansion of proven domestic energy sources like natural gas. Clean, safe and efficient domestic energy sources will create new jobs in America and lessen our reliance on foreign oil. Therefore, it is vital that we aggressively develop the infrastructure needed for transmission and delivery of natural gas.

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