Real Energy Solutions

Our energy security and our national security are not mutually exclusive. Our dependence on foreign sources of energy has only grown since the 1970’s when we experienced our first real energy crisis. Nevada has witnessed the price of gasoline soar to record highs over the past year. We are now coping with a painful price tag at over $4 dollars a gallon. I am angry and disappointed with the inaction of this Congress, whose partisan bickering has not brought down the price at the pump and I have demanded that Congress do something now. Did you know that when you put 20 gallons of gasoline into your tank, 15 comes from nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela? We need common-sense, American made energy solutions. I would like to share with you my  three-point plan that will bring relief to Southern Nevada families and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. If you would like to see my Energy Score Card, please click here.

First, we must work together to institute policies and practices that conserve our finite resources. Southern Nevada knows first-hand how to lead the nation in conservation efforts. We have implemented the most innovative methods in conserving other finite natural resources such as water. In the middle of the desert we understand more than any other community how to show restraint and use only what is necessary.  

Second, we must aggressively pursue policies that will incentivize the research and development of alternative energy technologies, especially renewable sources of energy. I have a 25- year record of supporting renewable energy here in Southern Nevada. I fought for the world’s third-largest solar facility to be constructed in Boulder City. Nevada has charted a unique course by being one of the nation’s largest producers of geothermal, solar and hydroelectric. I brought that record to Congress and I have supported tax structures that benefit the private sector for continuing to take the lead.

And third, we must increase domestic production so that our energy security, and national security, is not held hostage to the regimes controlling the OPEC cartel. We need American made energy that is produced right here at home. There is an estimated $60 trillion worth of oil and natural gas in the United States and we must expand domestic energy exploration in our efforts to reduce the price of gasoline. On Wednesday, July 30, I filed a discharge petition for the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act. This important legislation would give states the ability to allow for drilling of their coasts, as well as open up coastal areas to federal leasing. If you would like to read more about this important legislation, please click here.
 
There is no cure all and any viable and sustainable solution to our current energy woes must incorporate all three aspects: conservation, renewable energy research, and domestic production. Therefore, I support a comprehensive, “all of the above” approach to ensuring the stability of our energy security and easing the costs to the American consumers.

In an effort to urge the Democratic leadership to bring energy legislation to the floor of the House of Representatives, my Republican colleagues and I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi expressing our desire to go back to work and provide the American people with real energy solutions. If you would like to see a copy of this letter please click here.

We must discard our antiquated energy posture and establish a new, 21st century, energy portfolio that includes the use of next generation oil, natural gas, and coal technologies as well as the production of advanced alternative fuels like cellulosic, wind and hydroelectric power. We must also ensure that any domestic exploration takes into consideration the unique and sensitive ecological conditions in the area of exploration and puts safeguards in place to protect these areas for future generations.