Issue Position: Energy and Environment

Issue Position

New energy technology research and development represents tremendous potential for creating Michigan jobs. As high population countries like China and India become more developed, the demand for oil--and oil prices--will skyrocket. The demand for alternative energies will explode in turn. The leaders of alternative energy development will reap major economic rewards. Michigan has the existing infrastructure, manufacturing capacity and skilled workforce to lead the world in the development of next generation energy technologies. And of course, these new technologies help protect Michigan's unique natural resources and keep our state clean and beautiful. Along with millions of Michigan residents, my family and I have always enjoyed the excellent hunting, fishing, camping, swimming and other recreational activities Michigan has to offer. Many tourists enjoy these activities as well--another reason why sound environmental policy is good for Michigan's economy.

Protecting Our Great Lakes

The Great Lakes not only make our state beautiful and globally unique, they are also a major engine of our economy supporting over 800,000 jobs across Michigan. Tourism around the Great Lakes yields billions of dollars annually to the regional economy as people from around the country come to enjoy various leisure activities on our lakes. Additionally, the Great Lakes are a vital waterway supporting the flow of national and international commerce. Unfortunately, much of the economic development that has emerged around the Lakes has also had environmentally detrimental effects. Invasive species, algae blooms, pollutants, and infrastructure deficiencies threaten water quality, fish and wildlife habitats and pose health risks for Michiganders. A regional collaboration strategy that incorporates state, federal, local and private entities along with significant federal investments is needed to fully address water quality issues and restore habitats.

I am an original Co-sponsor of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Implementation Act. The Act would protect the Lakes from the growing threat of pollution and invasive species. A $25 billion investment of this kind is projected to yield up to $100 billion in economic growth, cost savings and increased property values. Investments in our Great Lakes produce tremendous economic benefit for our community, our state and our nation, and ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the Great Lakes as we have.

I also voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included a $237 million investment in Michigan's clean water infrastructure that will make our water cleaner and create new jobs.

The Great Lakes are among Michigan's greatest natural resources and I will continue to fight to protect the Lakes from pollution.

Investing in Renewable Energy

The challenges presented by global climate change, rising energy costs, and unstable oil markets make finding solutions to America's energy needs a priority. In Michigan, these challenges offer us new opportunities to create jobs through the development of wind, solar, biofuels and other renewable technologies. Legislation should consider a broad spectrum of renewable energy options and examine ways to reduce consumption through energy efficiency measures. Improvements to the electric grid and transmission infrastructure are necessary to improve efficiency and ensure that renewable energy sources can be effectively integrated into our nation's energy portfolio.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included many investments that will create jobs as they ensure a more efficient electric grid, improved public transit systems, increased energy efficiency for family homes, schools and universities, and the creation of new green technologies. It also includes $12 billion in incentives to promote clean renewable energy production that will create green jobs.

Advance Technology Vehicles

Other nations have committed billions of dollars to support new automotive and other manufacturing technologies because they know they represent the jobs of the future. Our country needs to do the same or we'll get left behind.

The economic recovery package President Obama recently signed into law includes $2 billion for advanced vehicle manufacturing, and this is a great first step. But $2 billion more is still not enough when compared to the tens of billions of dollars that the Japanese, Chinese, and Korean governments are investing into these technologies.

Last year I testified before the House Budget Committee to articulate the importance of increasing funding in job-creating new auto technologies. I will continue to fight to step up our commitment to section 135 and 136 auto battery programs, the Department of Energy's R&D advanced technology vehicle programs like the 21st century truck partnership and FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership. All of these programs to help develop the next generation of clean cars need more federal support if we are to ensure that we do not trade our dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign batteries.

I also fought for increased Manufacturing Extension Partnership funding in the economic recovery plan and am working to increase MEP funding for fiscal year 2011. The MEP was credited with creating or retaining 52,000 jobs in one year and stimulating $1.65 billion in economic growth.

The global race to create the ultra-efficient cars of the 21st Century has begun, and the United States is already giving other nations a tremendous head start. If we want to maintain our economic competitiveness, create jobs and truly become energy independent, we must support advanced auto technology at the same pace as other countries.

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