Issue Position: Solving America's Energy Crisis

Issue Position

Record high gas prices are hurting families, businesses, and communities alike, and our dependence on foreign oil has left us vulnerable to the whims of unstable governments around the world. In addition, global climate change is damaging our environment and threatening our way of life.

Despite these realities, President Bush and my opponent have continued to support an energy policy that does nothing to address gas prices, keeps us locked into a future of fossil fuels, and puts the interests of Big Oil companies ahead of American families and businesses that are hurting.

We need to act immediately to lower the price of gas, and to make a serious investment in alternative energy research and development here at home.

* Address Energy Speculation & Crack Down on Price Gouging. One of the largest factors driving up the cost of oil is out-of-control speculation in the oil markets. Through increasing transparency and limiting the amount of money that hedge funds can dump into the energy markets, we can immediately bring down the price of oil. We should also enact strict penalties for unscrupulous companies that unfairly increase gasoline prices to gouge customers.

* Invest in Alternative Energy Industries. By eliminating taxpayer-funded subsidies for Big Oil and reinvesting in alternative energy industries and technologies, we can reduce energy costs while creating new jobs here in Michigan.

* Partner with Universities to Expand Research. Michigan has world-class educational institutions side-by-side with world class manufacturing facilities and businesses. If we double our investment in alternative energy research and development, including advanced cellulosic ethanol, fuel cells, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, we can lead the way in developing the next generation energy technologies.

* Focus on the Long-Term Growth of the Green Economy. To encourage growth and investment in alternative energy industries, the first step we can take is to extend the solar and wind energy tax credits, and provide long-term production incentives for renewable fuels.

We are facing tough times here in Michigan. Fortunately we have the necessary resources, both human and infrastructure, to be a leader in the creation of new green jobs. Through the infusion of capital into new and existing businesses, the use of tax incentives for new companies that create jobs to locate in Michigan, public-private partnerships with our institutes of higher learning, and a commitment to retrain our workforce, the reciprocal benefit of new jobs and a cleaner environment will create a win-win situation for Michigan and for a better America.

We must make a strong commitment to shift energy from fossil fuels to clean renewable sources. Requiring 20% of our nation's energy to come from renewable sources will generate a need for new industries and green jobs. Some believe environmental legislation has to be a choice between conservation and economic development - I disagree.

Protecting our Environment
As a State Senator, I made preserving Michigan's natural resources one of my top priorities. My views did not make me popular with some special interests, but I always believed it was the right thing to do.

One of my proudest accomplishments was the bill I wrote banning directional drilling for oil and gas under our Great Lakes. The oil and gas industry fought me every step of the way, but we were able to pass a law that will protect our Great Lakes for generations to come.

My efforts to protect the Great Lakes, along with my efforts to protect wetlands, fragile sand dunes, and regulate toxic waste incinerators in urban areas, earned me the Sierra Club's 'Environmentalist of the Year' award.

In Congress, I will continue to fight for policies that promote cleaner air and water, and preserve our natural resources, while allowing for sustainable economic growth. Protecting Michigan's natural treasures is not only good for the environment it is also good for the economy at the same time.

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