Representative Joe Wilson

Representing the 2th District of South Carolina

Energy

The national security of our country is tied closely to our energy security, which is why it is important to reduce our dependence on foreign energy.  As energy prices continue to fluctuate, we must have a comprehensive, all-of-the-above strategy focused on exploration, innovation, and conservation.  This approach will simultaneously invest in our country's natural resources, domestic energy infrastructure, and alternative fuel sources.  It will also provide for energy security and lower energy costs for businesses and families, thus improving economic conditions across America.

I fully support domestic production of our natural resources. I believe we must continue to explore offshore for even more opportunities that may support America in her efforts to reduce dependency on foreign oil. A key energy project which would directly support our desire to wean ourselves of foreign oil while at the same time adding hundreds of thousands jobs here at home is the Keystone XL Pipeline.  The Obama Administration has continuously delays the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project that would transport crude oil from Canadian oil sands to refineries along the Gulf Coast. For purely political reasons, the Obama Administration continues to block this project of paramount importance, despite numerous environmental impact studies, which have found the project to be environmentally sound.

We also must invest in new and existing technologies to diversify our energy portfolio.  These include, but are not limited to, biomass, nuclear, solar, wind, and hydrogen fuel cell.  I remain committed to investing in and providing incentives for all different forms of alternative energy. 

South Carolina is doing its part to lead our country towards energy independence. In doing so, we have created jobs and will produce cost efficient energy. The federal government needs to take a page out of the South Carolina playbook. More stringent regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency will only drive up the cost of energy and kill jobs. Our country must pull together and drastically change the current national energy path we are on before it is too late. We have been blessed with ample resources here at home. It is of paramount importance that we utilize our proven reserves in addition to our exceptional minds as we develop the technologies of the future while harnessing the resources we have.

More on Energy

Jan 11, 2017 Press Release

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after introducing the Sensible Nuclear Waste Disposition Act, critical legislation to prevent the Department of Energy from constructing a new defense waste repository until the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has made a final decision regarding the outcome of Yucca Mountain:

Dec 27, 2016 Press Release

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) announced his 2017 Legislative Agenda at media presentations across the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, visiting West Columbia, Aiken, North Augusta, Barnwell, and Orangeburg. “With President-elect Donald Trump and strong majorities in the House and Senate, we have been given a new opportunity to promote positive conservative change,” Wilson said. “I am optimistic for our children and grandchildren—fighting to promote limited government and expanded freedom for American families.”

Dec 14, 2016 Press Release

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after Governor Rick Perry was offered the position of Secretary of Energy by President-elect Donald Trump:

Apr 28, 2016 Press Release

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee completed the markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. This legislation would fund our military and vital national security initiatives.

Feb 9, 2016 Press Release

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) released the following statement after the President’s Budget Request terminated funding to the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication facility (MOX) at the Savannah River Site:

“Terminating funding to the MOX facility is yet another example of the President’s refusal to see the facts. The MOX facility is crucial to our environmental clean-up missions, which produces green fuel, and national security. This decision to eliminate funding to the MOX facility is counterproductive and short-sighted. 

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