Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Achieving Energy Independence

We need a comprehensive national energy policy that promotes conservation, increases domestic supplies, and encourages alternative fuels to help reduce our reliance on foreign oil. We know that the American people are creative and innovative and when challenged they are more than willing to meet the challenge. We must become energy independent.

-Conservation

We must look for innovative methods to conserve energy, such as producing more efficient automobiles and appliances. I voted to increase automobile mileage standards for the first time in 32 years.

-Drilling

I have consistently opposed expanded drilling off Florida beaches, which are vital to our economy and quality of life. Nevertheless, I support environmentally safe domestic drilling in places such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), which holds the single largest deposit of oil in the entire United States - almost half the nation's oil reserves.

-Alternative Energy

The United States has only 3 percent of the world's oil reserves but it consumes 25 percent of the world's supply. We can't rely exclusively on oil and gas to meet the nation's energy needs. We need to create incentives for the development and use of alternative fuels like wind, solar, bio fuels, and nuclear, which is clean, safe, and affordable.

-Crack Down on Big Oil

I introduced legislation to eliminate the liability limit on Big Oil and hold them accountable for all economic damages associated with an oil spill. I also voted to end unnecessary subsidies which have been lavished on oil and gas companies.

Source