Energy

Our nation is faced with a growing global demand for energy, a severe reliance upon fossil fuels,high energy prices, and environmental concerns surrounding many of our current energy suppSupporting Work to Utilize Renewable Energy Resourceslies. I believe it will take American innovation and smart policies that encourage conservation, energy efficiency, and increase renewable energy research and development to address this critical issue and create a comprehensive national energy policy.

Throughout my tenure in the United States Senate, I have supported energy policies that benefit consumers and encourage diversification of our nation’s energy sources. As a member of both the Senate Budget and Appropriation Committees, I have fought for increased funding of important alternative energy research and development programs across the nation and in Washington state. In order to encourage private sector development of new forms of energy technology, I have consistently supported federal tax incentives to help spur investment in renewable energy sources and higher fuel economy standards for vehicles.

Washington state families are struggling with energy costs during these tough economic times, but they also want cleaner forms of energy and a more diversified national energy policy that lessens our dependence on foreign oil. I will continue to focus on  to lowering energy prices and increasing energy independence without sacrificing environmental protections or hurting the economy.

My Priorities

  • Investing in the development of clean renewable energy.
  • Ensuring America is less dependent on foreign sources of energy.
  • Encouraging innovation to meet our nation’s energy needs.
  • Supporting conservation and energy efficiency to reduce energy demands.
  • Maintaining low-cost power in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Protecting consumers from unfair energy market manipulation.
  • Investing in education to enable our country to continue to cultivate the scientists, researchers, and workers who will ensure we are a global leader in clean energy development.

My Accomplishments

  • Secured funding for important alternative energy research and development programs.
  • Helped pass into law legislation that increased fuel economy standards for cars for the first time in 30 years.
  • Helped pass legislation to extend tax credits for renewable energy use and development.
  • Worked to ensure that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) can provide stable and predictable rates and fought efforts to raise regional electricity prices.
  • Fought to include $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority for BPA in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The additional authority will enable BPA to improve their aging transmission lines, bring renewable energy sources online, and help create new, green jobs throughout the Northwest.
  • Supported legislation to increase transparency in the energy market and increase criminal penalties for price gouging.