Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Energy is at the heart of our economy. I support the development of a comprehensive energy strategy that will position our nation for strong economic growth and security for the 21st century. America's strength has always come from innovation. We should be the world's leader in the development of a clean energy economy.

A comprehensive energy plan must include investment in enhanced energy production from wind, solar and biofuels; investment in advanced battery technology, electric and hybrid vehicles, and development of smart grid technology. If we are to successfully confront the challenge of climate change, we will have to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels. For states like Wisconsin that are highly dependent on coal for energy productions, we must pursue new technologies to capture and store carbon that would otherwise damage our environment and contribute to climate change.

Conservation and energy efficiency also are important components of our energy policy. Huge savings of both energy and money can result from replacing outdated technology with new high efficiency motors, lights, and building materials. Encouraging these investments by businesses and families through tax credits and rebates has proven successful.

By developing a comprehensive and integrated energy policy, we will strengthen our economy, enhance our national security and protect our environment.

Climate Change:
Greenhouse gas emissions have put our global environment, social structure, and national security in peril. If we fail to act, the consequences we are already beginning to see will multiply. The volatility of our climate, including floods and droughts, severe weather, and temperature extremes will result in the loss of human lives, increased susceptibility to disease, the extinction of species of animals and plants, destruction of ecosystems, and increased social conflict.

I support measures that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, slow the rate of global warming and protect our environment. There are essentially three ways to achieve these goals:

* Use less energy
* Use clean energy
* Capture and store carbon from dirty energy

As a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, I support mandatory, market-based, cap and trade legislation to address climate change. I also support legislation to track how much carbon is being emitted and future reductions in emissions. Energy conservation and efficiency policies, and investments in research and development of clean energy technologies will help us use less energy. U.S. leadership on these issues will create jobs and keep America competitive.

Drilling:
I am concerned that drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) or the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) will threaten some of our nation's most pristine wilderness. ANWR is home to caribou, a sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and waterfowl, and home to 260 Inupiat natives. Drilling and construction of pipelines will threaten the survival of many of these species. Furthermore, drilling in the OCS exposes our air, water, and wildlife to potential oil and gas spills, pollution, and land damage. The recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrates the serious consequences that can occur from drilling in environmentally sensitive areas.

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