What's Wrong With Washington

Statement

New Mexicans get it. People across the political spectrum get it. The Climate Crisis is real. Oil is a finite resource. And too much oil is controlled by undemocratic and unfriendly regimes. To ensure America's security and productivity, we must move America boldly toward energy independence with an Apollo-like program - a major commitment that will create 3 million ‘green collar' jobs and will set us free from our reliance on foreign oil.

Unfortunately, our politicians in Washington don't get it. Just this weekend, John Fleck of the Albuquerque Journal reported that there is gridlock in Washington over the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). This failure of leadership in Washington means that electric utilities won't have to generate even a modest percentage of their power from clean sources. And, as a result, much needed energy reform is once again being delayed.

It's time for swift action. It's time for the stakeholders to come together and do what's in the best interest of the American people - not what's in the best interest of the highly profitable oil and gas giants and the utility companies. When it comes to energy independence, the politics of Washington incrementalism just won't work. We must be bold.

Nearly half a century ago, John F. Kennedy summoned his generation to a great cause - to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. When he made the declaration, people didn't think he was a visionary - they thought he was crazy. But, President Kennedy proved his critics wrong. He made a major investment in our space program and by the end of the decade - we put a man on the moon. We can and must do it again. We need an Apollo program for energy independence. This program will not only free us from foreign oil and help us fight global climate change - but, will also create 3 million new jobs. And, I will fight to bring those new "green collar" jobs to New Mexico.

New Mexico has tremendous wind, solar and geothermal energy potential. With real leadership and commitment we can create tens of thousands of good paying jobs harnessing that energy. We have the minds and the resources to lead the way right here in New Mexico - but, we need strong leadership in Washington to get this done. I will work with Senator Bingaman and like minded members of Congress on both sides of the political divide to deliver real and meaningful energy reform.

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