Issue Position: Energy & Gas Prices

Issue Position

Unleashing North American energy resources will provide relief to the pocketbooks of Michigan families while encouraging domestic job creation and securing long-term energy security. Unfortunately, many federal regulations can often inhibit the use of domestic energy and the construction of new infrastructure that is necessary for Michiganders to enjoy affordable energy.

Congress needs to get serious about developing an "all of the above" energy policy that ends our dependence on foreign oil, leads to cheaper fuel bills and encourages job creation. In order to achieve energy independence, I believe a few commonsense steps can be taken:

Increase Domestic Energy Production
With major advances in energy technology and innovation and the discovery of vast domestic shale and natural gas reserves, the U.S. is now producing more crude oil than we import for the first time in decades. Our nation needs to continue moving away from volatile oil markets such as the Middle East and Venezuela and instead use environmentally friendly ways to develop domestic energy sources. A commitment to developing North American energy will keep prices affordable for Michigan families, enhance our national security, and boost domestic manufacturing.

The House has acted to bring more American energy into Michigan households and during the 113th Congress, I voted in support of H.R. 4899, the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act. This common sense plan will require that the Administration move forward with new offshore energy production in areas containing the most oil and natural gas resources, while removing government roadblocks and reducing red tape to ensure a true "all of the above" approach that harnesses America's vast energy resources.

Update our Energy Infrastructure
To make sure these energy resources make it into Michigan homes we must build the necessary infrastructure to transport domestic energy. Pipelines are the safest and most cost-effective way to move energy products, and one project that will accomplish these goals in addition to producing tens of thousands of American jobs is the Keystone XL pipeline. In February 2015, I voted to send the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act to the President's desk to end years of bureaucratic delays and allow construction on the Keystone XL pipeline to begin.

In January 2015, I also voted in support of H.R. 161, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act to expedite the federal review process for natural gas pipeline applications approval process for the construction and operation of oil and gas pipelines, bringing greater certainty to the energy market and increasing the flow of North American energy.

Develop and Promote Alternative Fuels
We need to support market-based strategies that encourage alternative energy sources like wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and other clean alternatives in addition to promoting conservation.

Support Safe Nuclear Energy
Only 20 percent of the nation's electricity is produced by nuclear power; meanwhile nations like France receive 75 percent of all its power from nuclear. In Michigan, 30% of our state's total nuclear generation capacity comes from the Fermi 2 plant located in Michigan's 7th District. We need to grow our ability to produce this emissions-free energy so that Michigan's future energy needs can be met.

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