Issue Position: Protecting the Environment and Increasing Energy Efficiency
Issue Position
Issue Position: Protecting the Environment and Increasing Energy Efficiency
Protecting the Environment and Increasing Energy Efficiency
Senator Reed is deeply committed to preserving our natural resources. Reed was fortunate to grow up enjoying the wonders of Narragansett Bay and has worked hard to protect the environment for future generations.
Sound environmental policy also makes good economic sense. Rhode Island's beaches, parks and waterways are important to our economy, and Senator Reed has been successful in getting environmental groups and business leaders to agree on innovative "green" policy initiatives that promote both economic development and environmental restoration. For example, Reed secured $1.5 million in federal funding to initiate the Rhode Island Aquaculture Initiative. This innovative program has increased the breadth and depth of the Ocean State's aquaculture industry, helped create jobs, and promoted ecologically sustainable development. As a result of this federal investment, Rhode Island's aquaculture has nearly doubled production and helped clean up the environment.
Senator Reed has fought for a national energy policy that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, promote the use of alternative fuels, and increase energy efficiency standards.
He has also worked at the federal level to help consumers and businesses struggling with the rising cost of fuel. He cosponsored legislation to crack down on market manipulation which has contributed to inflated energy prices. Reed also succeeded in convincing the Bush Administration to form a new federal task force to help ferret out unscrupulous and speculative conduct in the energy commodity markets.
Senator Reed is the leading champion of LIHEAP, a federal grant program that provides states with money to help seniors and low-income households pay their energy bills. Under Reed's leadership, LIHEAP funding has nearly doubled over the last decade and he has secured over $150 million to help Rhode Islanders heat and cool their homes.
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