Our country needs to take a new direction on energy policy. For far too long, we have been dependent on foreign oil to meet our energy needs. This dependence threatens our security, hurts our economy, and strains Pennsylvania families' budgets. Congressman Altmire supports policies that will reduce gas prices, invest in alternative sources of energy such as nuclear and coal, and increase our energy independence.

Advance Nuclear and Coal Technologies

Western Pennsylvania’s vast coal resources and strong nuclear industry are a tremendous source of economic growth for our region and investment in them will make America more energy independent. Congressman Altmire supports the construction of new nuclear reactors and additional funding for clean coal technologies, such as carbon capture and sequestration. In 2009, Congressman Altmire advocated that Westinghouse, a western Pennsylvania company, receive funding through the Nuclear Power 2010 Program. This will help our region continue to lead the nuclear energy industry. In 2010, Congressman Altmire introduced two pieces of legislation that will advance the development of America’s nuclear energy industry by facilitating the design and licensing of small nuclear reactors.
For more information, see: [Altmire Introduces Bills to Advance Development of Small Nuclear Reactors].

Opposition to Flawed Cap and Trade Proposal

Congressman Altmire voted against the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), because this legislation did not do enough to lower energy costs for American families and end our nation’s addiction to foreign oil. Instead of establishing a flawed cap-and-trade system, Congressman Altmire supports focusing on cultivating our nation’s domestic energy resources and investing in alternative energies, including nuclear energy and clean coal, that will put America on a path to energy independence. For more information, see: [Altmire Statement on Cap and Trade Legislation].

Increase Domestic Oil Production

Congressman Altmire has long stated that America needs to capitalize on all of its domestic resources to increase our nation’s energy independence and decrease our reliance on foreign oil. As part of that strategy, Congressman Altmire supported increasing domestic oil production by voting to end the moratorium on oil and gas leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This is expected to permit access to an estimated 80 billion barrels of oil and over 400 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Invest in Renewable Energy

Congressman Altmire believes that one way our country can reduce our dependence on foreign oil is through incentives that encourage the use and production of renewable energy. He supports tax breaks for American companies that develop innovative energy efficient and renewable technologies that can help put our country on a path toward energy independence. On October 3, 2008, over $17 billion in tax incentives were signed into law to encourage the production of wind and solar technologies and the construction of energy-efficient buildings and homes. These investments will help create new American jobs and strengthen our economy.

End Excessive Speculation

A 2006 non-partisan report found that $20 to $30 of the price of oil was caused by excessive speculation or manipulation. Reforms should be implemented to close the “Enron Loophole,” which has led to the manipulation and excessive speculation in unregulated energy commodity markets. On June 26, 2008, Congressman Altmire voted in favor of the Energy Markets Emergency Act (H.R. 6377) to investigate and punish oil speculators who are driving up oil prices.

Reduce Demand through Higher Car Fuel Efficiency 

In 2007, Congress passed the first increase in fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks in 30 years, increasing the required average fuel economy from 27 to 35 miles per gallon. When fully implemented, these provisions will save the average American up to $1,000 a year at the pump and reduce oil consumption by 4 million barrels a day. Congressman Altmire voted in favor of the Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6), which was signed into law on December 19, 2007.