Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

The United States must adopt a long-term, multifaceted approach to address the current status of energy prices. We cannot allow the federal government to pick winners and losers when it comes to various forms of energy, and Congress can prevent this by enacting an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy. A comprehensive energy package that increases energy independence and job creation encourages the development of alternative and renewable energy sources, and promotes greater efficiencies and conservation for a cleaner environment. This approach would ensure that we are providing energy solutions without placing America at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the world.

Cap and Trade

I do not support the job-killing "Cap and Trade" legislation that the House of Representatives passed in the 111th Congress. At a time when so many Americans face job losses and businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, I seriously question any bill proposing to increase the cost of energy. The tax burden businesses currently face is already crippling. Tacking on an energy tax to the cost of doing business to those producing goods and creating jobs along the lakeshore could be the final nail in the coffin for many. A national energy tax would created an uneven playing field and penalize Michigan's job-creators by increasing the cost of energy for all businesses - and consumers.

For generations we have allowed ourselves to become too dependent on foreign sources of energy, thereby risking our economic and national security. We must have a plan moving forward, an all-of-the above approach, one much like the American Energy Initiative.

American Energy Initiative

Americans want Washington to get out of the way so we can produce more American energy, lower gas prices, and help small business begin hiring again. To answer that call, Republicans have announced the American Energy Initiative, an ongoing effort with three goals:

*Stopping government policies that are driving up gas prices;

*Expanding American energy production to lower costs & create more jobs; and

*Promoting an "all of the above" strategy to increase all forms of American energy.

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