Energy

CHAMPIONING RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR REAL ENERGY SECURITY

As a senior member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, I firmly believe that there are few more pressing threats faced by our nation than our continued addiction to fossil fuels and foreign oil.  Breaking this addiction is going to take hard work on everyone’s part, but it’s an obligation that we can no longer afford to ignore.  Sonoma and Marin counties are international leaders in developing practical and far reaching environmentally friendly programs that improve energy efficiency and combat global climate change.  Integrating these innovative solutions must be an integral part of our national energy policy.

The U.S. needs to lead the way in establishing a comprehensive energy policy that enhances America’s energy independence and increases the energy efficiency of our homes, businesses, and transportation. A central element of this policy must be a redoubling of our efforts on energy efficiency and conservation measures with a greater reliance on renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

While we move forward with new technology, we must also reject the tired policies of the past. Unfortunately, Republicans are cutting funding for important renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, as they bolster support for fossil fuel industries. I remain committed to fighting against these funding cuts and will not support efforts that undermine our ability to develop new, clean energy technologies.  That’s why I voted against the 2012 consolidated appropriation bill.  The misguided government funding bill cut clean air and water programs, reduced air quality standards, and gutted green technology projects.

It’s clear that volatile gas prices have had a detrimental effect on our economy, and expanded drilling as some have called for is not a solution. Despite the rhetoric on oil drilling, the bottom line is that expanded drilling in some of our nation’s most pristine sites wouldn’t yield any oil for at least ten years—and would only save consumers pennies per gallon by 2025.

Renewable energy and energy independence are among my top priorities in Congress. With the right national energy policy, we can support the creation of hundreds of thousands of green jobs, and it’s our responsibility to commit to long-term investments in green industries. I will continue to be an outspoken voice for a sensible energy policy that emphasizes conservation over exploitation, clean and renewable resources over fossil fuels, and planning for the future over clinging to the failed policies of the past.

(Updated April 2012)