ISSUE UPDATE: I have joined with a bipartisan group in Congress to introduce, H.R. 2227, the American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act of 2009. 

This legislation is the roadmap to a stronger energy future - one in which we pursue the development of new energy alternatives and renewable sources that will make our energy production and energy use affordable and clean.  A summary of the legislation is available by clicking here.  For a copy of my press release on this legislation, please click here.

My goal: American energy produced by American workers

Our nation's national security is tied closely to our energy security, which is why it is important to reduce our foreign energy dependence.  As energy prices fluctuate, we need to have a comprehensive, all-of-the-above strategy focused on exploration, innovation, and conservation.  This approach will simultaneously invest in our country's natural resources, domestic energy infrastructure, and alternative fuel sources.  The main goals of a multi-pronged approach are to provide for energy security and lower energy costs for businesses and families, thus improving economic conditions across America.

In the short-term, there is more we must do to lessen our dependence on foreign oil.  We must expand our use of the natural resources we have here at home and increase our production of these resources.  We know of massive reserves of oil and natural gas, and we could immediately tap into these resources safely with known and proven techniques.  Additionally, our energy infrastructure, such as the transmissions grid, is largely outdated and needs to be modernized to be more efficient and cost-effective. 

In the long-term, we must invest in new and existing technologies to diversify our energy portfolio.  These include, but are not limited to, biomass, nuclear, solar, wind, and hydrogen fuel-cell.  Please be sure, I remain committed to investing in and providing incentives for all different forms of alternative energy.  American companies and entrepreneurs have continuously led the world in innovation.  The type of scientific discovery that we have seen in the realms of medicine and space exploration prove that we can bring that level of creativity to the debate over energy.  South Carolina has been on the forefront of energy innovation, and I am confident our State will remain in this position with the positive steps it has taken in investing in nuclear energy and developing alternative sources of energy.

Lastly, we need to promote conservation through tax credits for the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles and the construction of energy efficient homes and businesses.  Every American can participate in building a stronger energy foundation for this nation.  As a state that uses more electricity per capita than the national average, I am proud South Carolina has adopted energy standards for public buildings and other energy-reduction goals that together will reduce energy use by 20 percent from 2000 levels by July 1, 2020.