Energy is at the heart of our economy. I support the development of a comprehensive energy strategy that will position our nation for strong economic growth and security for the 21st century. America’s strength has always come from innovation. We should be the world’s leader in the development of a clean energy economy.
A comprehensive energy plan must include investment in enhanced energy production from wind, solar and biofuels; investment in advanced battery technology, electric and hybrid vehicles, and development of smart grid technology. If we are to successfully confront the challenge of climate change, we will have to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels. For states like Wisconsin that are highly dependent on coal for energy productions, we must pursue new technologies to capture and store carbon that would otherwise damage our environment and contribute to climate change.
Conservation and energy efficiency also are important components of our energy policy. Huge savings of both energy and money can result from replacing outdated technology with new high efficiency motors, lights, and building materials. Encouraging these investments by businesses and families through tax credits and rebates has proven successful.
By developing a comprehensive and integrated energy policy, we will strengthen our economy, enhance our national security and protect our environment.
Greenhouse gas emissions have put our global environment, social structure, and national security in peril. If we fail to act, the consequences we are already beginning to see will multiply. The volatility of our climate, including floods and droughts, severe weather, and temperature extremes will result in the loss of human lives, increased susceptibility to disease, the extinction of species of animals and plants, destruction of ecosystems, and increased social conflict.
I support measures that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, slow the rate of global warming and protect our environment. There are essentially three ways to achieve these goals:
As a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, I support mandatory, market-based, cap and trade legislation to address climate change. I also support legislation to track how much carbon is being emitted and future reductions in emissions. Energy conservation and efficiency policies, and investments in research and development of clean energy technologies will help us use less energy. U.S. leadership on these issues will create jobs and keep America competitive.
I am concerned that drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) or the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) will threaten some of our nation's most pristine wilderness. ANWR is home to caribou, a sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and waterfowl, and home to 260 Inupiat natives. Drilling and construction of pipelines will threaten the survival of many of these species. Furthermore, drilling in the OCS exposes our air, water, and wildlife to potential oil and gas spills, pollution, and land damage. The recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrates the serious consequences that can occur from drilling in environmentally sensitive areas.
June 15, 2010 Statement on President Obama's Speech on the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
May 19, 2010 Baldwin Strengthens Safe Drinking Water Measure
May 3, 2010 Baldwin, Obey Seek Status Upgrade for Ice Age and North Country Trails
March 19, 2010 Baldwin Joins in Resolution Commemorart 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and its Founder, Senator Gaylord Nelson
January 1, 2010 Baldwin, Kohl, Obey Secure Funds for Ice Age Trail
November 5, 2009 Baldwin Seeks Incentive for Motor Efficiencies
September 22, 2009 Statement on EPA's Rule to Report Greenhouse Gas Emissions
September 11, 2009 Baldwin Proposes Product Carbon Disclosure
June 26, 2009 Landmark Clean Energy Bill Bears Baldwin's Stamp
May 21, 2009 Baldwin Helps Drive Job Creation, Energy Efficiencies
May 18, 2009 Opening Statement - American Clean Energy and Security Act, Energy & Commerce Committee
April 21, 2009 Statement on Earth Day - April 22, 2009
January 9, 2009 Baldwin, Feingold Reintroduce Bill To Protect Cranes
January 6, 2009 Baldwin Crafts Greenhouse Gas Registry
September 17, 2008 Baldwin Supports Bipartisan Energy Plan Compromise
September 11, 2008 Baldwin Crafts Greenhouse Gas Registry
September 3, 2008 Baldwin Seeks Safer Drinking Water
June 2, 2008 House Passes Baldwin Crane Conservation Act
April 16, 2008 Baldwin Challenges Bush to Show Real Leadership on Climate Change
February 25, 2008 House Committee Takes Up Baldwin Bill on Railroad Industry Monopoly
January 22, 2008 Baldwin Says Help With Heating Bills Is On the Way
December 7, 2007 Baldwin Lauds Passage of Historic Energy Legislation
August 4, 2007 Congress Moves Country Closer to Energy Independence
July 2, 2007 Baldwin Adds Power to Energy Bill
September 7, 2006 Baldwin Grills Oil Company about Pipeline Shutdown
November 23, 2005 Baldwin Calls for Increased Fuel Economy Standards
July 28, 2005 Baldwin Votes NO on Energy Bill
June 23, 2005 Baldwin Warns Bush: Planet is Warming, Act Now
April 21, 2005 Baldwin Statement on the House Energy Bill
March 14, 2005 Baldwin Challenges EPA Mercury Emissions Rule
January 31, 2005 Baldwin Named to Environment Subcommittee
November 22, 2004 Baldwin Secures Federal Funds to Protect Environment
November 15, 2004 Baldwin Backs Emergency Home Heating Assistance
July 6, 2004 FEMA to Fund Remapping
June 18, 2004 Wisconsin Congressional Delegation Calls for Disaster Aid
May 7, 2004 Baldwin Announces Mercury Reduction Legislation
June 24, 2003 Baldwin Leads Capitol Hill Outcry Over White House Deletion of Global Warming Language
June 19, 2003 Baldwin Pushes for More Federal Funding to Combat CWD
May 14, 2003 Baldwin Amendment Protects America's Forests, Public Right to Appeal, and Judicial Review
April 22, 2003 Baldwin Pushes Legislation to Protect Cranes and Their Habitats
April 22, 2003 Nature Conservancy Presents Conservation Leadership Award to Representative Tammy Baldwin
February 20, 2003 Representative Baldwin Secures $1 Million For Baraboo Hills Conservation Project
July 16, 2002 Baldwin Secures $3 Million For Ice Age Trail
February 20, 2002 Baldwin Receives Perfect Score from National Environmental Group
November 6, 2001 $50,000 for Downtown Park Project
September 25, 2001 Wisconsin Legislators Act to Protect Great Lakes
June 21, 2001 $2.5 Million for Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail Passes House
May 31, 2001 Baldwin Calls for Balance in Energy Policy
September 28, 2000 Funding for Baraboo River Study Included in Appropriations Bill, Kohl, Baldwin Announce
June 13, 2000 Baldwin Calls for Hearings on Possibility of Price Gouging on Gas Prices
October 21, 1999 $2 Million for Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail Passes House
July 14, 1999 Baldwin Helps Secure $2 Million for Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail
May 19, 1999 Taliesin Named to "Save America's Treasures" Program