Issue Position: Planning for Energy Independence

Issue Position

America must become energy independent. As a nation, we must develop a long-term energy plan to wean the country from its over-reliance on foreign oil and harness renewable energy sources available here in the United States. Continued energy dependence jeopardizes our national security and leaves our economy vulnerable.

Gas prices are skyrocketing in Nevada with no end in sight. Yet, oil companies are reporting record profits. Congresswoman Berkley has urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible price manipulation by big oil companies and put an end to any wrongdoing.

Congresswoman Berkley supports a balanced energy plan that invests in new energy sources and promotes energy efficiency. Moving toward more fuel efficient vehicles could reduce oil usage by millions of barrels per day. That is why Representative Berkley is fighting to increase fuel economy standards and to provide tax incentives for consumers to buy, and manufacturers to produce, fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles.

Renewable energy is the future of energy generation in this country. The nation should follow Nevada, and set goals for renewable energy production. Nevada is poised to become a leader in renewable energy production, such as geothermal, solar and wind. Congresswoman Berkley supports Nevada's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and providing incentives to encourage renewable energy research and production.

Congresswoman Berkley is committed to:

Investing in renewable energy

+ Sponsored an amendment that establishes a federal loan guarantee program to provide incentives to invest in producing renewable energy.

+ Supported the New Apollo Energy Project that would promote research and development of solar, wind and geothermal energies, coal gasification, advanced recycling, and alternative fueled vehicles and investments in new energy technologies.

Promoting energy independence

+ Voted to increase fuel economy standards for cars and sport utility vehicles.

+ Cosponsored legislation to give tax incentives to build energy-efficient buildings.

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