Energy and Environment

Investing in alternative sources of energy is critical to our nation’s economic recovery, national security, global competitiveness, and the future of our planet.

As a Member of House Committee on Homeland Security, I understand that our energy independence is directly correlated to our nation’s safety. Our dependence on foreign oil leaves us vulnerable to the geopolitical instability that exists in some oil producing regions. This instability leads to higher prices at the pump and increases the financial burden on families that are already hurting from the economic downturn. Upon my arrival in Congress, one of my first acts was to co-sponsor and support H.R. 6, the Energy Independence Security Act of 2007. This bill raises fuel-efficiency standards which decreases our dependence on foreign oil as we invest in, and transition to alternative fuel sources.

Our increased investment in alternative sources of energy will spur job creation as companies research, develop, and market the clean energy products of the future. Small businesses, which bring new technologies to market faster than their large competitors, will be at the forefront of this green energy movement. As the engines of our economic growth, the jobs that small businesses create will help lead us out of this economic downturn and return us to the path to prosperity.

The extraction and consumption of fossil fuels has harmful effects on our environment, causes air-pollution, and contaminates our waterways. In Congress, I have supported legislation that protects our country’s rivers and streams, holds industrial polluters accountable, and invests in the restoration of contaminated sites. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1310, the Clean Water Protection Act, which prevents pollutants from being dumped into waterways as “fill material.” I also cosponsored H.R. 564, the Superfund Reinvestment Act. This legislation funds environmental clean-up and holds the responsible entity financially accountable for the site restoration instead of placing this burden on the taxpayer.

In Congress, I will continue to work with my colleagues to develop a comprehensive 21st century alternative energy policy that protects our environment, stimulates our economy, and reduces our dependence on 20th century energy sources.