Claire believes that Missouri has the potential to be on the forefront of emerging energy sources and technology, and that such developments would lead to better jobs and business opportunities for the state. She has demonstrated her independence, promoting an all-of-the-above energy approach, and supporting projects such as cutting-edge Missouri-made small modular nuclear reactors, the Keystone XL and Flanagan oil pipelines, and renewable energies such as wind and solar. Claire supports efforts to curb the effects of climate change - which she recognizes as a real and growing threat to Missourians' health - but has opposed proposals that would unfairly punish consumers in coal-reliant states like Missouri.

All-of-the-Above Energy

Claire has said that breaking America's dependence on foreign oil is a matter of national security, and has strongly supported efforts to expand American-made energy - and the jobs that come with it.

Claire has supported a proposal by Ameren Missouri and Westinghouse to design and build small modular nuclear units in Missouri for export, calling the proposed project a "tremendous opportunity for Missouri jobs." The University of Missouri is a leader in nuclear engineering education and Ameren Missouri currently runs a safe, reliable nuclear power plant at the Callaway Energy Center.

Claire has fought for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline, arguing that construction of the pipeline from Canada is inevitable, and urging the President to embrace the project as a boost to North American oil production and to business opportunities. She similarly supports construction of the Flanagan South oil pipeline in Missouri.

Claire also supports extending tax credits to those who invest in energy generated by wind farms and solar power and providing bonds for clean renewable energy and conservation programs on the state and local levels. She has long supported development of biofuels, including appropriate mixing of bio-based ethanol in gasoline, a technique that spurs growth in the biofuel industry and reduces America's reliance on oil imports from foreign countries. Claire believes Missouri is an important producer of alternative energy, as well as a center of energy innovation, and will continue to fight for measures that help producers capitalize on the opportunities available.

Gas Prices

Drastic fluctuations in the price of gas signal that Americans can no longer rely so heavily on oil to fuel our country. Americans need alternatives to oil, and we need them as soon as possible. That's why Claire has supported measures such as the Energy Independence and Security Act, which was signed into law in 2008. This measure helped decrease the demand of world oil by investing in alternative fuels and making automobiles more fuel efficient. Claire also supports investments in new technologies like plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and advanced batteries that will help vehicles go farther on less gasoline.

Claire believes there must be a focus on reforms that get alternatives out to the energy market faster, rather than near-sighted proposals that prolong our reliance on oil.

Claire has urged the President to release oil from the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve when necessary to alleviate spikes in gas prices.

Finally, Claire strongly supports saving taxpayer money by ending huge tax giveaways to big oil companies -  the most profitable corporations in the history of the world - that subject Missouri's families to higher gas prices nearly every year.

Alternative Fuels

To reduce the threat of international terrorism, Claire believes we must reduce our reliance on foreign oil and expand domestic production of traditional and advanced biofuels. While Claire realizes there are many challenges to ensuring production and a market for these types of fuels, she believes these measures will go a long way toward bolstering America's energy security.

To further the development of biofuels and reduce reliance on foreign oil imports, Claire supports the Renewable Fuel Standard. This measure ensures that 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels will be in use by 2022 - 15 billion gallons of which will be produced from traditional renewable biofuels such as corn-based ethanol and biodiesel, and 21 billion gallons of which will be produced from advanced biofuels. As America researches and develops advanced biofuel technologies, Claire will continue to work with her colleagues and Missouri producers to protect our nation's investment in first-generation biofuels such as biodiesel and corn-based ethanol.

Claire believes we need to continue to invest in renewable fuels infrastructure and support research and development of new bioenergy sources. With Claire's support, Congress has enacted legislation to provide incentives that will encourage Americans to invest in these clean energy technologies.

Combatting Climate Change

Claire recognizes that climate change is real, is contributed to by human activity, and is a growing threat to the health of Missouri's families and Missouri's economy. Greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, have contributed to a change in global climate patterns. In Missouri, this change is manifested in part by increased flooding and drought periods, as well as an increase in the number of days of extreme hot and cold temperatures. Just as importantly, America's over - reliance on foreign oil is a matter of national security. Every year, trillions of American dollars go to hostile regimes in order to satisfy our energy needs. Claire believes these problems must be addressed.

During the debate in Congress on legislation to address climate change, Claire consistently stood up to protect the interests of Missouri's families, manufacturers, and energy consumers by insisting that any attempt to curb global warming include adequate protections for coal-dependent states such as Missouri. It was because of those concerns that Claire opposed the failed "Cap & Trade" legislation, but she is committed to working toward a moderate compromise that protects consumers, farmers, small businesses and manufacturers, while still addressing the growing risk of climate change

Helpful Links

Missouri Public Service Commission
Missouri Department of Natural Resources