Congressman Tierney understands the public outcry for lower gas and home heating costs as energy companies experience record profits.  He has been strongly committed to energy efficiency and conservation throughout his time in Congress.  For years, he has been supporting efforts to invest in alternative and renewable energy sources and to encourage efficiencies and conservation measures while the President has established a record of supporting big energy and gas corporations with subsidies instead of investing in research and development of alternative fuel sources.

Congressman Tierney has joined a number of his Democratic colleagues in putting forth a plan that would help the United States achieve energy independence within 10 years.   Here is a taste of what should be done as part of America’s national energy plan:

1. Invest in Research & Development.  The federal government must invest in energy research and development for a new generation of fuel-efficient vehicles, new fuels (bio-fuels, including ethanol, agriculture and animal waste products and hydrogen) and capacity for storage and transmission of solar and wind energy.  A concerted initiative leading to improved, modernized and efficient mass transit is long overdue.



2. Increase Gas Mileage.  Congressman Tierney and his fellow Democrats support sensible federal regulations like higher vehicle gas mileage (CAFE) standards, strong efficiency standards for appliances, a national requirement for more renewable fuels use in power generation facilities and quick consideration of permitting rules for wind generation.



3. Help the Public Conserve.  Our elected officials and other community leaders must educate the public on conservation and efficiency measures for homes, schools and businesses - starting with something as simple as using compact fluorescent light bulbs, monitoring thermostats and shutting off computers when not in use. 



4. Support Local Action.  Federal support should encourage new funding mechanisms by which local communities can support business and home energy-saving improvements.



5. Help the Government Conserve.  All federal, state and local procurement decisions must follow better energy conservation and efficiency guidelines.  This would lead to greater efficiency and lower costs and also help convince private investment to engage in a growing market.