Energy

There is no question that our nation needs a plan for energy independence – a plan that keeps our dollars and jobs right here in America.  For too long, Washington politicians have refused to take on the special interests, and Upstate New York families are paying record energy prices as a result.  In the midst of the greatest economic crisis in a generation, we continue to face uncertainty as volatility in our energy supply threatens the future for our families, our small businesses, and our national security.

To address these challenges, I am working to chart a new course to put America on a path to energy independence.  I believe we need a bold new energy policy that employs every available tool to break our addiction to foreign oil.  We must pursue an “all of the above” approach to using our domestic energy resources – nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower – and invest in a renewable energy infrastructure that will create new clean energy jobs that cannot be shipped overseas.  Instead of sending billions of dollars to sustain hostile regimes halfway around the globe, we must redirect our resources to support our consumers, businesses, and agricultural communities’ right here in the 20th District.  I believe Upstate New York is uniquely situated to harness the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and we are poised to become leaders in a new energy economy.

In order to meet these objectives, I voted to pass landmark energy independence and clean jobs legislation – The American Clean Energy and Security Act.  Although the bill is not perfect, this legislation would fundamentally increase Upstate New York’s competitiveness and create clean energy jobs right here at home, creating over 109,000 new jobs in New York State alone.  New York is already a leader in renewable and clean energy, and our early investments will put us at the forefront of a new energy economy.  It is also estimated that this legislation will help to cut the United States’ use of oil by more than 5 million barrels a day in the next 20 years – roughly the equivalent to all the oil we currently import daily from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.  By investing in clean energy technology and energy efficiency, we will not only make our country more secure, but we will also be more competitive in the global marketplace.

I also believe we must work together to develop common-sense policies that strike a careful balance between realizing the economic benefits that Marcellus Shale natural gas development can provide, while also ensuring the sustainability of our clean water supply.  Similarly, I am a strong supporter of nuclear energy development and support President Obama’s decision to provide loan guarantees to help build the first new domestic nuclear power units in more than 30 years.  I helped introduce bipartisan legislation to promote the responsible use of clean domestic energy by encouraging public-private partnerships to bring small nuclear reactors to market.  Natural gas and nuclear power are both critical components of our comprehensive strategy to move our country towards energy independence.

While there are no easy solutions to America’s energy needs, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop a long-term, sustainable energy strategy that will reduce energy prices for New York families, end our dependence on foreign oil, and strengthen our national security.