Issue Position: Energy
Issue Position
Issue Position: Energy
Our government has failed to form an innovative and proactive energy plan. The status quo has hurt Nebraska families' pocket books and endangered our country's national security. Shifting our country's energy focus away from foreign oil will create a safer and more independent America. By eliminating the need for antiquated energy sources, we will maintain environmental integrity and promote economic development.
President Kennedy's original Apollo program refocused American resources in order to win the race to put a man on the moon. That type of commitment to energy will create a new, cleaner energy economy by rethinking present policies, redirecting resources, and breaking old boundaries.
We all must recognize that today's energy crisis poses serious problems, but I also see it as an opportunity. As a nation, we can once again become world leaders, this time in the world's most crucial commodityenergy. Nebraska will capitalize on a national energy policy that focuses on domestic, renewable sources. Through this shift, Nebraska can surge ahead in development; economically, by using the state's natural resources, such as wind and bio-products; scientifically, by promoting research at our universities that will encourage energy efficiency.
In congress, I will propose the Clean, Livable, Entrepreneurial Answers Now (C.L.E.A.N.) initiative to address our energy security, independence and future:
Fuel and Energy Efficiency - Efficiency starts with our own personal discipline. I will propose incentives for American consumers to drive fuel-efficient vehicles, purchase energy efficient appliances, and live and work in energy efficient places. We will develop new automobiles and airplanes that are more fuel-efficient; we will also manufacture energy-efficient machines, appliances and materials. A comprehensive energy policy will be a boon to the environment and our economy.
Clean Energy - We must focus construction on clean-energy generation facilities that will generate power from renewable sources: wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, oceans, coal with carbon-sequestration technology, and other sources. This will lessen our country's dependence on foreign sources of energy and increase economic development throughout the country.
Global Warming and Greenhouse Gas Emissions - We must promote research for companies to find cost effective solutions for reducing emissions and to allow industry to make the transition to cleaner uses of our energy supplies.
Clean Energy Jobs - The government can show its commitment to domestic sources of renewable energy by investing in new federal research for advanced clean technologies. In addition, we should create a government fund to help clean-energy start-up companies commercialize their products. One study has found that a substantial federal commitment to clean energy could yield up to 3.3 million jobs nationally.
Surplus Energy - The creation of national net-metering and interconnection standards will allow homeowners and businesses that generate clean energy to reduce their energy bills by feeding surplus electricity back into the grid. Through this project, America will offer incentives for families and businesses to become more energy conscious and efficient.
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