Issue Position: Energy, Environment, and Market-Based Solutions

Issue Position

Development of alternative energy is a must for our national security, for long-term economic growth, and for addressing certain environmental issues. Although untapped energy resources exist and should be explored, there is no reason to delay simultaneous investment in alternative sources of energy.

There are three compelling arguments for pursuing alternative energy in conjunction with tapping into existing resources:

1) Geopolitical Ramifications. As long as we remain dependent on energy from foreign sources, we must continue to devote political and military capital to enabling those sources. Expanding our options for energy production will ultimately enhance our national security.

2) Long-term Economic Growth. Energy production is at the heart of all modern economies. As more people globally use more electronic devices, drive more miles, and take more flights, inexpensive energy becomes more and more essential to economic growth. If we don't begin investing heavily in developing and building renewable energy technology and infrastructure, we risk losing economic leadership in this key area. It would be a major mistake to allow other nations to take the lead in developing this technology--China, India, and Germany are not waiting.

3) Environmental Impact. There are some who believe that there is no scientific evidence of climate change resulting from human activity; there are many who take the other view. If new technologies and innovations create new efficiencies and economic growth and if there is even a remote possibility of a connection between current changes and human activity--then why wouldn't we want to pursue these technologies?

When it comes to environmental issues, we should not just argue about whether there is change. Instead, we should engage in the debate about what to do about it. As a conservative, I take the view that the more environmental solutions can be based on free-market principles, the better the outcome. Heavy regulation often comes with heavy costs. Government should not pick winners and losers among competing technologies, but government can play an important role in spurring the development of new technologies, just as it did with the space program.

We are currently operating a 21st-century society on 19th-century fuel. It's time to start thinking differently. It was a Republican, Teddy Roosevelt, who took the lead on conservation more than a century ago. It is time for Republicans to take the lead once again.

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