Energy & Environment

I support practical ways for Americans to save money by wasting less energy and to help our country become more secure and prosperous by utilizing domestic, cleaner, and renewable energy sources.   As a scientist and engineer, I know that fossil fuels are finite and that innovations in conservation, efficiency and new technologies are the tools that we can use to achieve these goals for ourselves and our nation.  As co-chairman of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and a senior member of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, I am well respected for working with colleagues across the aisle on legislation to promote domestic, alternative and renewable sources of energy.  I authored the House bill that led to the law for a five-year extension of tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Our use of energy has impacts upon our environment.  I believe that environmental regulations must pass at least two tests.  First, prior to implementation, a cost-benefit analysis must be conducted in order to determine whether there is a commensurate benefit to justify the cost of complying with a regulation.  Second, the regulation must be founded on sound science.