Energy Security

Energy independence is one of the most important and pressing issues facing our nation today. America must be a global leader in the development, production and use of renewable energy to reduce climate change and end our reliance on foreign oil. We can no long afford to depend solely on fossil fuels, like petroleum, to drive our economy and meet our energy needs. For the oil we need, it is better to acquire it domestically than get it from hostile nations.

Our energy policy must focus on securing our long-term energy future. As stewards of God’s creation, we must protect our environment rather than the profits of big oil companies. Our path to energy independence is efficiency, innovation, ingenuity, and responsible exploration. I have been working diligently with my colleagues in Congress to achieve this goal.

Energy Independence

I voted in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, H.R. 2454, because it promotes energy independence, creates clean energy jobs, and protects our national security and God’s creation.

H.R. 2454 reduces the amount of carbon that electric utilities, oil refiners, and certain industries can emit. Emitters that surpass their allowed limit will have to pay for each additional ton of carbon they release by purchasing carbon credits, or "allowances." This portion of the bill will guarantee that we meet the carbon-reduction goals determined by a consensus of earth scientists in order to avert the most damaging effects of climate change. It will also generate the revenues that will be used to keep energy costs low for ratepayers, protect domestic industries, invest in clean energy technologies, and drastically improve the energy efficiency of our homes, office buildings, electricity transmission systems, and vehicles.

This legislation helps our country move toward greater energy independence and reestablishes national sovereignty by promoting clean energy production in America and lessening our reliance on foreign oil. For too long, our dependence on oil has put us in a vulnerable position to unfriendly nations abroad.

I proudly supported H.R. 6, which passed into law in the 110th Congress. This legislation makes historic investments in biofuels and new energy technologies and takes important steps toward making America energy independent, curbing global warming, and developing America’s economy through renewable energy.

One of the greatest victories in H.R. 6 was carbon emission reduction and an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standard, which requires auto manufacturers to produce vehicles that, on average, can drive 35 miles per gallon of gasoline by the year 2020. Despite improvements in vehicle and fuel technology, this national average had not been increased since the 1970’s. Various aspects of vehicle technology research and development will also be funded through a grant program included in the Energy Bill.

Additionally, H.R. 6 provides funding for increased production of biofuels, placing emphasis on improvements to infrastructure and the development of more efficient production processes that utilize cellulose. The Energy Bill makes great strides in promoting renewable energy generation from sources like solar, wind and geothermal.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a promising avenue for reducing climate change and conserving energy. The American Clean Energy and Security Act contains important provisions for improving energy efficiency. This legislation includes provisions to modernize the electricity grid, establishes new standards for building efficiency which require new buildings to be 30% more efficient in 2012 and 50% more efficient in 2016, and mandates new efficiency standards for appliances and lighting products. The bill also creates new energy efficiency programs for small energy companies and provides funding for states who participate in efficiency upgrades.

In the 110th Congress, I introduced legislation that became part of the Energy Bill to help our small businesses become more energy efficient. This legislation –the Small Energy Efficient Business Act – was designed to help small businesses develop energy efficient practices and spur investment in the production of alternative energy by small businesses by expanding the Small Business Investment Corporation. Additionally, it created the Renewable Fuel Capital Investment (RFCI) program, an initiative designed to help small firms develop renewable energy sources and new technologies. These measures will benefit consumer and producers, by reducing costs and increasing competition in the market for energy efficient goods and services. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the 111th Congress to pass legislation that improves and promotes energy efficiency.

Green Jobs

The road to energy independence will require us to use the natural, renewable resources that surround us and our most limitless resources – American ingenuity and our entrepreneurial spirit. America has lost millions of manufacturing jobs in recent years to other countries, and we must invest in new industries to keep and create jobs at home and increase our energy independence. Green jobs in new industries such as wind turbine manufacturing, solar panel installation, energy efficiency upgrades, biodiesel production, and green building will help replace the jobs lost to outsourcing.

Despite the economic downturn, the clean energy sector is thriving. Venture capital investments in clean energy rose 54% between 2007 and 2008. The American Clean Energy and Security Act takes tremendous strides in green job creation. Since 1998, jobs related to the clean energy economy in North Carolina have grown by over 15%, while jobs in the rest of the economy have seen only a 6% increase in growth. Western North Carolina in particular has seen a dramatic increase in the number of businesses that are participating in the green economy.

Under H.R. 2454, North Carolina would receive billions of dollars to promote clean energy and efficiency, which will encourage tremendous growth in our green industries. Currently, North Carolina imports the majority of its energy from other parts of the country in the form of coal. H.R. 2454, however, provides the tools necessary to increase our in-state energy production and put more North Carolinians to work.

In the 110th Congress, I supported the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008, which expands $18 billion in tax credits for improving energy efficiency and producing renewable energy.