Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

WHEN IT COMES TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, I BELIEVE IN THE FOLLOWING CORE PRINCIPLES -

There is, perhaps, no greater threat to our economic and national security then our dependence on foreign oil.

Today, the United States imports 45 percent of the oil we consume, and our energy grid is deteriorating. New sources of energy are not being accessed quickly enough. One thing is clear: America needs a comprehensive domestic energy policy that puts us on a path toward American energy independence.

I believe that policy should begin with expanding domestic production of near term fuel sources, and those resources should not include food-based fuels. That means oil, natural gas, coal, oil shale, and products to produce methanol and ethanol, instead of ethanol-based sources produced from corn or sugar, which make consumers unnecessarily compete between food and energy resources. This should also include the expanded use of clean and efficient nuclear power. In the meantime, we should also expand our domestic energy policy in North America, which is why I support the Keystone XL pipeline project. If the president finally gives his approval, America will reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil and instead rely upon our friends and allies to the north and south.

Lastly, we must stop feeding the notion that government can force innovation and create green jobs and, instead, let entrepreneurs create the future by removing taxes on capital and stop trying to pick winners and losers.

WITH THOSE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ME, I SUPPORT
The Keystone XL Pipeline
Expanding U.S. refining capacity
Expanding the use of nuclear energy
Drilling in ANWR
Encourage the State of Florida to create incentives for the utilization of bio-mass, grasses, and algae for fuel sources that will utilize Florida's amazing growing capacity without endangering food crops

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