Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Supports use of all sources of American energy in order to lower prices at the pump and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. A strong national energy policy is an essential component to a thriving economy and the creation of jobs. Coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydro-power, domestic oil, and biomass all may play a critical role in America's energy future. The United States possesses a tremendous amount of natural resources, and we must take full advantage of all options to unlock America's full potential.

Supports a four-point energy plan:

Drill. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil means we must drill for our own domestic oil and natural gas.

Dig. The United States has the largest coal reserves in the world. I support proposals that encourage the United States to tap into its abundant and affordable domestic energy resources, including coal.

Discover. We can use our universities and think-tanks to find new energy sources and ways to use energy more efficiently.

Deregulate. It is time for government to get out of the way and let private businesses use our domestic energy resources more freely.

Supports coal use and production. Coal is a vital component of the American economy, with nearly half of the nation's electricity being generated from it. We need to expand coal production and eliminate the harmful regulations that are killing the industry.

Committed to fighting the many excessive, misguided energy regulations being pushed by President Obama and the EPA. At a time when many Americans are being forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table, it is unacceptable for the federal government to hinder the use of coal and other domestic energy sources. Burdensome energy regulations have led to higher energy costs which put a strain on all Americans, particularly working families and those on fixed incomes. In addition, higher electric prices also make it more expensive to manufacture goods in America. When American goods are more expensive, they are less competitive in the global economy. The bottom line is that American jobs are at stake as a result of federal regulations on coal and other domestic energy resources.

Supports common sense policies that safeguard our ability to have clean air and clean water without jeopardizing thousands of jobs or burdening American families with unbearable energy costs.

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