Issue Position: Energy & Our Future

Issue Position

I believe the search for sustainable energy independence is the issue of our time. It affects our national security, jobs, our economy and our environment, and it must be a cornerstone of our government's policy.

Wyoming is a leading source of energy for America. I will protect and strengthen Wyoming's position as a leader in responsible, conventional energy development while working to ensure Wyoming's role as a future leader in our nation's inevitable and necessary transition towards a safe and sustainable energy future.
Wyoming's bountiful natural energy resources, past energy development and its contribution to our country's economy have been an integral part of what makes Wyoming special. The people of Wyoming are grateful and truly appreciative of the benefits we have received from this critical aspect of our economy. As we move deeper into the 21st century, we must now assist existing and new companies to come up with better ways to continue their current energy operations as well as to further diversify Wyoming's energy resources to meet the future needs of our citizens and our country.
Energy development and operations are critical to the security and welfare of the residents of the State of Wyoming. Our energy policy is inextricably linked to jobs, our economic prosperity, our national security, our environment and the health and well-being of all our citizens. We need to continue promoting responsible, prudent methods of extracting existing fossil fuels in Wyoming. However, the future of our country depends on our ability to find and develop sources of energy that are less polluting and less dependent on foreign providers, especially those in volatile regions of the world. A well-rounded energy policy focusing on responsible development of existing fuels, new technologies such as carbon sequestration and development of cleaner, infinitely renewable sources of energy, can provide strong job growth, reduced pollution, a more stable economy, greater job security, and a liberated foreign policy.
Here in Wyoming, the potential for clean natural gas, wind energy, solar energy and other forms of bio-energy are almost limitless. In addition, research into carbon sequestration and reducing emissions from coal may allow conventional energy sources to persevere in the free market while other energy sources are being developed. Now is the time to establish Wyoming as a leader in energy research, development and manufacturing, supplying the nation with many types of Wyoming energy for years to come.
The federal government has a long history of promoting the national interest by aiding in the development of sources of energy. Accounting and depreciation rules have been specifically altered to encourage oil and gas exploration, and the federal government not only developed the first nuclear power reactors, it has subsidized the commercial nuclear power industry from its inception. The federal government should actively work with private industry to encourage conservation, efficiency and continued development of a wide-variety of stable and clean energy sources for the future.

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