Issue Position: Energy & Gas Prices

Issue Position

Michigan and the rest of the nation continue to pay high energy prices both at the pump and to heat their home. Uncertainty about the cost of these energy prices makes it hard for families to plan for the year ahead and hurts our economy.

Congress needs to get serious about developing an "all of the above" energy policy that ends our dependence on foreign oil, leads to cheaper fuel bills and encourages job creation. In order to achieve energy independence, I believe a few commonsense steps can be taken:

Independence from Foreign Oil
America uses about one-fifth of the world's oil supply, but we only produce about 50 percent of what we use. Our nation needs to move away from volatile oil markets such as the Middle East and Venezuela and instead use environmentally friendly ways to develop domestic energy from Alaska and the Outer Continental Shelf.

Develop and Promote Alternative Fuels
We need to support market-based strategies that encourage alternative energy sources like wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and other clean alternatives in addition to promoting conservation.

Nuclear Energy
Only 20 percent of the nation's electricity is produced by nuclear power; meanwhile nations like France receive 75 percent of all its power from nuclear. We need to grow our ability to produce this emissions-free energy.

Reduce Harmful Regulations
While some government regulations are important, excessive federal regulation can increase energy costs for consumers and stifle job creation. In February 2013 I questioned energy experts about the costly impact of proposed EPA regulations on energy. I also voted in August 2013 in support of H.R. 1582, Energy Consumers Relief Act, to help protect consumers from rising energy costs by requiring that before the EPA finalizes an energy related rule costing more than $1 billion, they provide Congress a detailed report on the cost, benefit, energy price and job impact.

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