Issue Position: Develop Clean Energy

Issue Position

We in America need to develop clean energy. This is one way to both grow and protect America. We need to use our sun, wind, water, and geo-thermal (underground) resources. This would address so many needs in America. It would create jobs, clean jobs. This would help the economy. It would help the environment. It would reduce our dependence upon foreign oil. We thus need to create incentives for people to develop clean energy. One suggestion is to give tax credits for people who insulate their homes, who install solar panels, etc. The tax credits should be substantial, much more than the approximate 30% currently allowed. It should be dollar for dollar. This way, the more wealthy could even install solar panels on neighbor's homes.

I oppose the proposed penalties or fines, for using energy. For one, people have no other choice. People have not been given alternative forms of energy to use. Therefore it is not fair to punish people for using energy, before they even have a real, viable alternative. We can't punish people for simply using energy. That is very counter-productive. We want people to work and live and play and enjoy life. All of this takes energy. We do not want to reduce production or activity; we want to increase productivity. Thus, the answer is NOT to punish people for using energy. Rather, we must create alternative forms of clean energy and facilitate people's ability to obtain and use alternative forms of clean energy.

I oppose the development of further nuclear energy. Currently, we have and use some. I am informed that long term use of nuclear energy is not possible anyway. Thus, again, we need to develop clean energy sources.

I also oppose drilling in ANWAR. There is a reason it was designated a wildlife refuge.

Light Rail: In Minnesota, we need to develop a system like that in Washington D.C. Washington D.C. has this wonderful system, called The Metro. It is an underground train system. It is excellent. They run often. It is also cheap. Further, they are underground, out of the weather elements, which is very important in Minnesota. Further, being underground, it does not interfere with other regular traffic, thus avoiding wasting time and energy and fuel. Any rail system in Minnesota must either be below ground, like The Metro, or above ground, like in Chicago. Underground is the most optimum choice. If it is on the same level, we then have cars and taxis waiting for the train to pass by. This is a waste of gas and time and energy. It also has needlessly created risk to life and limb. The Light Rail downtown Minneapolis is extremely poorly marked, and in many places, has no barriers to cars driving on the tracks, which I personally have witnessed. This is poor planning and must be rectified before building on additional rail lines begin.

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