Democratic Senators Lay Out Energy Principles, Pen Letter to Governors Requesting Policy Input

Press Release

Today, 45 Senate Democrats released a letter to all 50 governors requesting input on the first new, national energy policy in almost a decade. The senators outlined their principles for a national energy policy as (1) investing in clean energy, (2) empowering consumers, (3) modernizing infrastructure, (4) cutting carbon pollution and waste, and (5) investing in research and development.

Senate Democrats want an energy policy that unleashes American innovation, rewards middle-class families for smart energy choices and keeps our air and water clean for generations to come. The senators are seeking input from the governors because of the essential partnership between federal and state governments.

In addressing it to governors, the letter keys off findings contained in the administration's first Quadrennial Energy Review, which noted that among the challenges associated with modernizing our energy infrastructure is the fact that "a significant portion of the related legal, regulatory and policy development and implementation occurs at state and local levels." As such, making progress toward these overarching principles requires a robust partnership between state and federal entities, and alignment of associated policies and financing mechanisms.

"The need for clean, reliable and efficient supplies of energy is becoming closely intertwined with our economic growth and global competitiveness. In fact, investing in clean energy technology has created hundreds of thousands of new jobs. We need to keep investing in cleaner, lower-cost energy solutions so that America won't be left behind," said Sen. Cantwell, ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

"Most of America's power system was built before cell phones or the Internet even existed. That is why we need an energy policy that encourages innovation, rewards Americans for choosing clean energy and levels the playing field for those who generate cleaner energy and cut waste. Climate change is the most significant challenge our world faces. Many states have acted and Congress needs to finally take it seriously. Updating our outdated energy policy is a good place to start, and we look forward to reviewing suggestions from our country's governors," said Sen. Harry Reid, Democratic Leader.

"The time is now to update America's energy policy for the 21st century," said Sen. Schumer. "Rather than reflexively oppose the administration's efforts to develop clean energy technologies and take action on climate change, Senate Democrats want to work with all 50 governors to generate bottom-up energy policies that are collaborative and innovative. The only way we can we can upgrade our nation's energy system is for all states to be engaged and willing partners."

"I have long said we need a true all-of-the-above energy strategy -- that includes renewable energies as well as fossil fuels, and we need to build the energy infrastructure that will help enable us to become more energy secure and independent. We can use all of these resources while building the technology to make them cleaner and reduce emissions," said Sen. Heitkamp. "Last summer, I pressed the Energy Secretary to hold one of the agency's national energy strategy meetings in North Dakota because any discussion about our energy future has to include my state. Now we need to hear from governors who will have keen insight into how we can build out these policies starting in each state."