Find More. Use Less.

We need to find more American energy, and use less.  This means developing more of America's own energy resources, including wind, solar, clean coal, biofuels, nuclear energy, as well as oil and natural gas -- which will reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil and create thousands of jobs here at home.  A balanced energy policy which both finds more, and uses less will strengthen our economy, protect our environment, and enhance our national security.

Coal especially is a vital part of Kentucky’s economy and history.  With over half of our nation’s electricity coming from coal, this industry must remain a key component of our nation’s energy strategy.  Preserving our environment is an important responsibility, and we must do so in a sensible manner than does not harm our economy or raise prices on working families. 

I was encouraged by President Obama's calls for the construction of more nuclear power plants, as well as for increased offshore exploration of oil and natural gas, and the further development of clean coal technologies.  These are all critical components of any commitment to maintain both a healthy economy and a healthy environment. 

Read Senator McConnell's Comments on Energy

  • Jun 21 2012

    Sen. McConnell Comments on Layoffs at Arch Coal

    Washington, D.C.– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following comment on Thursday regarding the layoffs of coal miners in Kentucky:

    "This is another devastating blow to Kentucky’s mining community and the families who rely on coal for their livelihoods. Our coal miners are some of the hardest working Americans, and it’s heart-breaking that the Obama Administration's war on coal has yet again contributed to more job losses in this industry.”

  • Jun 05 2012

    McConnell Comments on EPA’s Regulatory Agenda and Its Impact on Kentuckians Working in Coal Mining

    ‘Since being sworn in, President Obama’s EPA has set out to circumvent the will of Congress and the American people by turning the already-cumbersome mine permitting process into a back-door means of shutting down coal mines.’
  • Mar 09 2012

    McConnell, Paul and Whitfield Meet with DOE Secretary to Discuss Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Ed Whitfield made the following statement Friday following a meeting with Secretary of Energy Steven Chu to discuss the future of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant:

    “We appreciate Energy Secretary Steven Chu responding to our request for a plan for the future of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.  In our meeting, Secretary Chu pledged to explore all avenues to extend the 1,200 jobs at stake in Paducah, and we thank him for laying out multiple short-term options.  Secretary Chu stated that new legislation would not be required to pursue re-enrichment at the Paducah plant and that the authority rests with the Administration, with the market analysis of the domestic uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment industries needing to be completed immediately.  Additionally, Secretary Chu committed to engage directly with all stakeholders to work toward an agreement in the next 30 days in an attempt to provide employees some certainty about the future of the plant.  Although our meeting today did not provide the ultimate answers everyone at the plant is anxious to hear, we are pleased with the assurances by the Administration that they will now fully engage with all stakeholders to find a solution.  As operator of the enrichment facility, we expect USEC also will work with DOE to find a way to extend these jobs.  And, going forward, we await DOE’s long-term plans for the Paducah site. ”

  • Mar 08 2012

    President Lobbying Against Keystone XL Pipeline Jobs?

    ‘I mean, think about it: at a moment when millions are out of work, gas prices are skyrocketing and the Middle East is in turmoil, we’ve got a president who’s up making phone calls trying to block a pipeline here at home. It’s unbelievable.’
  • Mar 07 2012

    Judge the President by his Deeds, not Words on Gas Prices

    ‘The President likes to talk about fairness. But when it comes to rising gas prices, the American people don’t think it’s particularly fair that at a time when they’re struggling to fill up the tank, their own tax dollars are being used to subsidize failing solar companies of the President’s choosing, not to mention the bonuses that executives at these companies keep getting. I think most Americans are tired of reading about all the goodies this administration’s allies are getting on their dime even as the President goes around lecturing them about fairness. I’ll tell you what’s not fair: what’s not fair is that it now costs about $40 more to fill up a 20-gallon tank of gasoline than it did when this President took office, and yet this administration continues to pursue policies that would make it even worse.’
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