Energy

I’ve always had a keen eye on energy development and resources for both Texas and our nation.  Now that global warming and climate change have taken on great national importance, Congress has given these important issues long overdue attention.

As the Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, I am making a strong push for alternative fuels and sources of energy, including wind, solar, biofuels, and also encouraging and requiring new energy efficiency standards and development.  In addition, through my seat on the House Committee on Agriculture, I am actively exploring various biofuels energy sources and programs, particularly those that can capitalize on the vast natural resources that Texas provides.

The Houston-area is our nation’s largest energy hub, and hosts a diversity of industry entities.  Southeast Texas plays host to companies and organizations promoting electricity, biofuels and alternative energy sources, fuel cells, natural gas, oil, and refineries.  Taken together, they play a major role in our national economy and provide countless local jobs and support for hard working Texas families and communities.

Our nation’s energy needs cannot be fully met with fossil fuels, and we risk jeopardizing our economy, foreign policy, national security, and most importantly our environment if we do not address these issues properly.  At the same time, I believe that fossil fuels still remain an important part of any viable, overall energy strategy for America.  We must pursue environmentally responsible ways of harvesting these conventional sources of energy, and continue developing alternative energy sources that ease our reliance on fossil fuels.”