Issue Position: Solutions for America's Energy Crisis

Issue Position

Solutions for America's Energy Crisis
Our country needs to take a new direction on energy policy. For far too long, we have been dependent on foreign oil to meet our energy needs. This dependence threatens our security, hurts our economy, and strains Pennsylvania families' budgets. Congressman Altmire supports policies that will reduce gas prices, invest in alternative sources of energy such as nuclear and coal, and increase our energy independence.

Finding Solutions to the Nation's Energy Crisis
In 2011, Congressman Altmire became an original cosponsor of the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act (H.R. 1380). The NAT GAS Act incentivizes companies to build the infrastructure necessary to support the use of natural gas vehicles (NGVs). The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce its regulatory burden on manufacturers working to convert traditional gasoline vehicles to NGVs. Increasing the production and purchases of NGVs will lessen our country's dependence on foreign oil.

Ensuring Marcellus Shale Safety and Efficiency
Congressman Altmire is dedicated to ensuring the safe and efficient development of Marcellus Shale gas deposits in western Pennsylvania. Proper regulation and oversight is needed to ensure that the extraction of natural gas is done safely while taking advantage of the economic opportunity it presents. As a member of the Marcellus Shale Caucus, Congressman Altmire is committed to fostering the growth of this industry in western Pennsylvania while protecting the communities benefiting from its resources.

Protecting Consumers from Price Gouging
In order to protect consumers from the manipulation of rising gas prices, Congressman Altmire cosponsored the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 964) in 2011, which makes it illegal to raise the price of gas excessively during a presidentially-declared energy emergency. The bill authorizes the president to issue an energy emergency for 30 days or less. During this time, the FTC would be able to regulate gas prices in regions affected by the energy emergency and ensure fair and balanced prices. For more information, see: [Altmire Chairs Hearing on Rising Gas Prices Impact on Small Business].

Advance Nuclear and Coal Technologies
Western Pennsylvania's vast coal resources and strong nuclear industry are a tremendous source of economic growth for our region and investment in them will make America more energy independent. Congressman Altmire supports the construction of new nuclear reactors and additional funding for clean coal technologies, such as carbon capture and sequestration. In 2009, Congressman Altmire advocated that Westinghouse, a western Pennsylvania company, receive funding through the Nuclear Power 2010 Program. This would help our region continue to lead the nuclear energy industry. In 2010, Congressman Altmire introduced two pieces of legislation that would advance the development of America's nuclear energy industry by facilitating the design and licensing of small nuclear reactors. For more information, see: [Altmire Introduces Bills to Advance Development of Small Nuclear Reactors].

Opposition to Flawed Cap and Trade Proposal
Congressman Altmire voted against the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), because the legislation did not do enough to lower energy costs for American families and end our nation's addiction to foreign oil. Instead of establishing a flawed cap-and-trade system, Congressman Altmire supported focusing on cultivating our nation's domestic energy resources and investing in alternative energies, including nuclear energy and clean coal, that will put America on a path to energy independence. For more information, see: [Altmire Statement on Cap and Trade Legislation].

Increase Domestic Oil Production
Congressman Altmire has long stated that America needs to capitalize on all of its domestic resources to increase our nation's energy independence and decrease our reliance on foreign oil. As part of that strategy, Congressman Altmire supported increasing domestic oil production by voting to end the moratorium on oil and gas leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This is expected to permit access to an estimated 80 billion barrels of oil and over 400 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Invest in Renewable Energy
Congressman Altmire believes that one way our country can reduce our dependence on foreign oil is through incentives that encourage the use and production of renewable energy. He supported tax breaks for American companies that developed innovative energy efficient and renewable technologies that can help put our country on a path toward energy independence. On October 3, 2008, over $17 billion in tax incentives were signed into law to encourage the production of wind and solar technologies and the construction of energy-efficient buildings and homes. These investments will help create new American jobs and strengthen our economy.

Reduce Demand through Higher Car Fuel Efficiency
In 2007, Congress passed the first increase in fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks in 30 years, increasing the required average fuel economy from 27 to 35 miles per gallon. When fully implemented, these provisions will save the average American up to $1,000 a year at the pump and reduce oil consumption by 4 million barrels a day. Congressman Altmire voted in favor of the Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6), which was signed into law on December 19, 2007.

End Excessive Speculation
A 2006 non-partisan report found that $20 to $30 of the price of oil was caused by excessive speculation or manipulation. Reforms should be implemented to close the "Enron Loophole," which has led to the manipulation and excessive speculation in unregulated energy commodity markets. On June 26, 2008, Congressman Altmire voted in favor of the Energy Markets Emergency Act (H.R. 6377) to investigate and punish oil speculators who are driving up oil prices.

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