Congressman Mitchell is working to provide investments in clean, green American-made energy such as solar and wind power, which can not only help meet our energy needs, but also be an economic boon to our Arizona economy. He supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which makes significant investments in our nation's alternative energy infrastructure through both tax incentives and competitive grants. This investment will create more than a half a million green jobs dedicated toward moving America toward energy independence. Additionally, it can help Arizona's solar industry grow and expand, ultimately spurring local economic development.

Last year, Mitchell opposed the “cap and trade” bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, because instead of investing in carbon-neutral energies like solar, the measure would have doubled down America’s reliance on coal. Mitchell believed this was a step backwards at a time when it is so vitally important for us to move forward. Clean, renewable energy should be our chief priority, not fossil fuels.  In addition, Mitchell expressed concern regarding a provision that would give the federal government power to overrule Arizona's decisions about where it chooses to place power lines.

In 2008, Mitchell successfully fought to extend the 30-percent solar investment tax credit which would help Arizona's solar industry grow and create jobs. With the help of solar tax credits and grants, Arizona Public Service and Abengoa Solar are developing the world's largest solar energy plant outside Gila Bend. The Solana solar generating station will create an estimated 1,500 jobs and provide clean, emission-free energy for 70,000 homes. Solana is expected to stimulate an estimated $1 billion in local economic development.

In addition to new clean energy we must take advantage of all of our resources. Congressman Mitchell believes we should expand American exploration through responsible domestic drilling, including offshore drilling and in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve.

Congressman Mitchell has supported increased energy efficiency. In 2007, he backed the first increase in fuel efficiency standards in more than a generation, raising federal standards to 35 mpg. He has also voted to extend personal tax credits to individuals for solar panels on their homes as well as expanded tax credits for people who buy hybrid cars.