Securing Our Energy Future
Now more than ever, the United States has to secure its energy independence for the future and reduce its dependence on foreign sources of oil. When we outsource our energy needs, we export American dollars overseas. That's why, I strongly support domestic energy and oil production as a way to shore up our nation's energy and economic independence.
By balancing our energy needs, our domestic resources and our environment, we can strike a balance in the United States to meet our needs with the resources we have here at home.
Texas and Energy Production
In the 28th District of Texas, we have a number of domestic energy resources we can continue to expand and produce to ensure the rest of the nation has an adequate energy supply. This is why, we should continue to make investments in natural gas, wind, solar and other alternative energy fuels to power Texas and the rest of the country.
In Washington, I've been a strong advocate for natural gas as it's abundant, clean and located right here at home. In 2009, I worked with the leadership on Capitol Hill to incorporate legislative provisions to advance the production and use of natural gas in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2009.
Important Legislation on Energy
Supported the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2009
Designed to shore up the nation's investments in domestic energy, alternative fuels and expand domestic use of natural gas, clean coal, wind, solar and biofuels. Includes Cuellar provisions to expand and create incentives for the production of natural gas. Sets important environmental and energy standards for the future.
Supported Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Designed to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes.
Supported New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security and Consumer Protection Act
An Act moving the United States toward greater energy independence and security, developing innovative new technologies, reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure.
Supported Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008
Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes.We do not, however, support legislation that puts the burden on one industry or source. We would like to see across the board shared investments when creating new funding for alternative fuels.
Opposed Renewable Energy and Energy Conversation Tax Act of 2008
This legislation singles out the oil and gas industry for punitive tax treatment. This change would discourage energy investment, result in the loss of jobs, and ultimately, decrease supply and increase energy costs for businesses that rely on oil and gas.
Opposed Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007
This energy tax package also unfairly and punitively singles out the oil and gas industry. The changes proposed by the bill amount to a modern-day version of the 1980-88 Windfall Profit tax, essentially an excise tax on each barrel of oil produced that resulted in reduced domestic oil production and a greater dependency on foreign imports prior to its 1988 repeal.
