Our nation needs an American energy policy that will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and lower energy costs. I support an all-of-the-above approach to our nation’s energy portfolio that emphasizes the production of ethanol, natural gas, clean coal, domestic oil, nuclear, wind and other renewable energy sources. Using our American energy resources will create jobs at home and reduce energy costs.

South Dakota has taken advantage of our wind energy resources and today, more than 20% of our state’s energy is produced from wind. I have led efforts to extend the Production Tax Credit for wind energy so the industry can continue to build on its success.

I have also supported several bills to create jobs and expand American energy production. America has been blessed with abundant resources. It is common sense to develop those resources in our efforts to become energy independent.

I also support construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Building the pipeline would help decrease our dependence on unstable sources of energy from the Middle East and will create up to 20,000 new American jobs. This project has received strong bipartisan support and there is no reason why Washington should stand in the way of making this project a reality.

I will continue to work towards an all-of-the-above American energy policy with my assignment to the Natural Resources committee.