High energy prices cause hardship for families, schools, businesses, and manufacturers in Alabama. It is my belief that the U.S. is too dependent on expensive foreign oil. There are a variety of possible solutions and we have the power to begin to achieve our own "energy independence."

The answer is a balanced energy policy.  Solar and wind power are promising sources of renewable energy.  The U.S. has significant domestic oil and natural gas resources, but by law many of these areas are currently off-limits to responsible development.  Clean coal is part of the solution, especailly in Alabama where a large portion of our electricity is generated from coal.  However, what is abundantly clear is that expanded use of nuclear power must be part of the solution.  The U.S. is lagging far behind France, China, and India in construction of nuclear power plants.  We simply cannot achieve greater energy security without nuclear.

Alabama is taking its own leadership role through the development of alternative fuels. The I-65 Clean Corridor Initiative is one such example.

One of the major issues currently facing Congress is "cap and tax" legislation.  This approach to reducing carbon emissions would lead to much higher energy costs in Alabama, placing a great burden on families and businesses in Alabama already struggling just to make ends meet.  I voted against this legislation (the Waxman-Markey bill) when it was brought to the House floor on June 26, 2009.

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