Issue Position: Developing Domestic Energy Sources

Issue Position

Problem: Our community, our state and our nation are dependent on fossil fuels, largely imported from foreign nations -- many of which are under anti-American regimes. Meanwhile prices continue to rise at the pump.

Solution: Developing Alternative Energy: We must develop the next generation of alternative energy products in Virginia. That means economic incentives at the production and retail levels for alternative "clean" energies like bio-diesel, natural gas, hydrogen and cellulosic ethanol. Developing these fuels makes sense environmentally and economically. It also means opening the doors to new technology by geothermal, which should be regulated as "energy" products -- not through archaic agricultural laws.

Creating Markets for Alternative Energy: We should mandate use of domestic fuels at the state level to create markets and thus raise demand. Eventually, we should require "clean fuels" to be available at the pump; otherwise consumers will not have access to them. Developing and promoting alternative fuels can marry the energy needs of Fairfax with downstate agricultural resources. It is a "win-win" for all.

Improve Utility Performance: Today's power companies are slow to adopt new technologies unless they are pushed in that direction by state law and the State Corporation Commission. Yet new technologies adopted by our utilities will create both job opportunities and develop technologies that will last for generations. We can:

(a) manage demand through the utilities to limit wasteful overuse of energy, e.g. by placing "smart meters" in offices and residences,
(b) require utilities through "net metering' to purchase power from end users who are self-sufficient in creating their own power,
(c) encourage existing coal-burning power plants to capture and sequester carbon output,
(d) establish a realistic benchmark for renewable energy like solar, wind, and geothermal part our energy portfolio,
(e) encourage the use of off-shore wind power where possible as a "peaker" assets to add to our existing grid.

Fuel Efficiency: More efficient cars means less need for and less dependence on foreign oil. I support tax credits for high-efficiency hydrogen and electric-powered vehicles, as well as the authority for "hybrid" vehicles in our HOV lanes.

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