Senator Murray believes that increasing the use of alternative energy and developing conservation and efficiency technologies will help the U.S. lessen our dependence on foreign sources of oil. She has consistently supported tax credits for increased energy efficiency and alternative energy development, which can play an important part in helping the U.S. move toward cleaner and more efficient energy policies. During her time in the Senate, Senator Murray has also worked to secure funding for clean energy research projects and programs throughout the country and Washington state, including research on biofuels production, tidal energy and other alternative energy projects. She has also fought to pass legislation to increase vehicle fuel economy standards to save consumers money, protect the environment, and reduce oil dependency.
—————————————————
Senator Murray understands that encouraging innovation in energy production is crucial to meeting our nation’s energy needs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she has ensured funding for research and development projects that could provide breakthroughs into a clean energy economy. In the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in February 2009, Senator Murray secured over $8 billion in funding for the Department of Energy. This legislation makes significant investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts, green jobs development, and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She has also supported upgrades to our nation’s aging transmission system to increase its security, allow for a greater power load, and ensure compatibility with new clean-energy sources. She secured an additional $3.25 billion in borrowing authority for the Bonneville Power Administration to upgrade the transmission in the Northwest.
—————————————————
Senator Murray believes that our nation must reduce energy demands by supporting conservation and energy efficiency efforts. She fought for funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the State Energy Program, which provides states with grants to encourage the adoption of emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Senator Murray has also supported legislation to increase the federal government’s efficiency standards. Additionally, she has been an advocate for tax credits for homeowners who purchase energy-efficient appliances.
—————————————————
Senator Murray believes in the importance of keeping low-cost power in the Pacific Northwest and has fought several attempts to administratively raise power rates. She also secured $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority for Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which allowed BPA to make critical investments in the transmission system, which will provide green jobs in the Northwest. The power agency will be required to repay this borrowing authority with interest.
—————————————————
Senator Murray knows that volatile oil markets have had a detrimental effect on our economy, particularly impacting small businesses as well as American families trying to budget their expenses. Because of this, she cosponsored legislation which would enhance transparency in the energy market and increase criminal penalties for illegal trading activity. She has also supported additional efforts to protect consumers from price gouging during national emergencies.
—————————————————
Senator Murray believes that investing in education is a crucial step to ensure that the U.S. is a global leader in clean energy development. For this reason, Senator Murray introduced the Promoting Innovations to 21st Century Careers Act, which would strengthen the green jobs workforce by helping students identify and prepare for careers in thriving high-skills industries, including clean energy development. She has also worked to pass into law the America COMPETES Act, a bill to help U.S. students and workers be more competitive in the global economy by investing in research and development, innovation, and education.