Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

America is a country rich in energy resources and emerging technologies, and I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that encourages domestic production, reduces our dependency on foreign oil and explores alternative energy solutions.

Oil and natural gas production has shaped Oklahoma's economy since shortly after statehood, and it continues to do so today. While I am supportive of our traditional energy producers and protective of the thousands they employ, I have also supported tax credits that promote renewable energy development--like wind power--and incentivizes consumers to use renewable and alternative fuels. In addition, I believe that expediting the permitting process for liquefied natural gas exports (LNG) and lifting the 40 year-old ban on crude oil exports is essential to ensuring independence from foreign oil suppliers. We achieved that objective in the omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2016.

Hampering domestic energy production is not the path towards a robust economy and job growth. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been busy formulating a national plan to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Such drastic changes in energy policy would have damaging consequences for our economy, including a dramatic increase in electricity prices. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, I have worked with my colleagues to cut EPA funding more than 20 percent, cut back staff to 1989 levels and stop regulatory overreach.

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