Issue Position: Creating a World Safe and Clean for Future Generations

Issue Position

Our world and our environment are at a pivotal point. We must act quickly and effectively to stop the effects of climate change, preserve wild species and habitats, and create a clean and renewable future for our children. I have and will continue to fight for our environment and believe that the dangers currently facing our Earth are some of the most pressing issues we face.

Protecting Our Environment from the Hazards of Drilling

While living in Alaska, I worked with the Northern Alaska Environmental Center to prevent drilling in the Arctic Natural Wildlife Refuge and advocating for the pristine wild lands of Alaska. Today, drilling has once again become a major issue facing our nation. Just two years ago, Republicans chanted "Drill baby drill" at rallies. Now, in the wake of the Gulf oil disaster, they are backing away from their stance and facing the facts that we need a sensible energy policy in this country. I believe that it is in our best interest to limit offshore and new drilling sites and to implement more stringent standards in existing operations. What is occurring in the Gulf must never be allowed to happen again. Therefore, I would sponsor a bill that would require higher safety standards and companies to be held liable for the cleanup of any disaster like the spill in the Gulf.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Curbing Climate Change with Renewable and Clean Energy Standards

In order to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and to slow climate change we must change the way we produce energy in this country. With new innovations in technology we are able to reduce our air pollution by requiring newly-built coal plants to use the cleanest technology available. We must also require that all existing plants meet the same qualifications within ten years time.

While new and existing plants must be addressed, so must the source of our energy. We are in a unique position in this country to harness many natural sources of energy that are renewable, clean, and cost effective. In order for our energy system and culture to change, we must set standards, guidelines and timelines of green energy production and efficiency standards and sources. Congress has already required vehicle manufacturers to produce more efficient vehicles and have set standards and timelines for energy and gasoline efficiency. I believe we need to take this one step further. It is crucial for our environment that we mandate 30 percent of our energy to come from renewable sources such as wind, solar or tidal power by the year 2040. This will force energy producers to bring their operations up to speed quickly and can create green jobs by investing in production of these renewable technologies.

Defending our Ecosystems and Wildlife

We must take steps to protect our wild lands and species. While working on environmental issues in Alaska I saw firsthand that many of our nation's most fragile ecosystems were suffering. Environmental issues are truly global and carbon emissions here affect ecosystems worldwide. To truly protect our ecosystem, wildlife and protected lands we must cut our carbon emissions. I will advocate for a 20 percent decrease in carbon emissions this decade.
Another important step we can take to protect wild lands and species is to create more protected wildlife refuges in the most at risk areas. We must work to save and protect America's most unique and endangered habitats so they can be enjoyed by Americans for generations. In order to protect these species we must establish a new agency within the Department of the Interior specifically for conservation. In this way, we can have a watchdog group that will truly monitor and offer up solutions for the protection of wild lands and habitats.

Creating an Energy Grid for the Twenty First Century and Beyond

A crucial piece of the puzzle to becoming energy independent and reducing our energy waste is to create a smart energy grid to replace our outdated and outmoded current grid. Not only would this grid be more efficient in delivery, it would save us unforeseen amounts of money over the next 50 to 100 years. Currently, our grid degrades and loses large amounts of the energy in delivery. We can stop the loss of electricity and dollars with a bill that will mandate energy providers bring their sections of the grid up to modern standards.

At home use of green technologies is also necessary to improve our overall environmental health. I will also sponsor a bill that will give Americans incentives to green their lives. I believe that there should be tax cuts given to those who buy efficient appliances, build efficient homes, or even buy efficient vehicles. The short term cost of these projects is far outweighed by its long term benefits.

Holding Others Accountable

We can and must always be looking to the future when it comes to the environment and climate change. If we fail to keep progressing, even for a short while, the long term effects on our Earth could be devastating. As a leader in the world the US should set a standard for how the environment is treated. We cannot continue to reprimand other nations for their energy misconduct, until we provide an example of energy efficiency and reduction

Source