Energy

I support a comprehensive "all-of-the-above" energy policy that leads us toward energy independence by expanding traditional American energy sources, developing market-based solutions for sustainable, alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal, and biomass, and supporting energy efficiency and conservation efforts. Energy prices have been too high for too long and America relies too heavily on foreign energy sources. An all-of-the-above, smart, and safe energy plan is necessary for our national security and for America to move toward energy independence. Throughout my career, I have supported polices and efforts to achieve this goal, and I will continue to do so.

Lifting the Crude Oil Export Ban
Removing the ban on the export of crude oil will help our allies by providing a safe supply of oil and is expected to support up to 964,00 additional U.S. jobs in 2018. It will also enhance our energy security and weaken OPEC and Russian power in the energy sphere. On December 18, 2015, the House passed a measure that would lift the export ban on crude oil. I am proud to have voted in favor of this legislation that will strengthen our national security, help energy consumers throughout the nation, and allow America to become a key energy supplier to the world.

Approving the Keystone XL Pipeline
The Keystone XL pipeline has become a symbol of the president’s failed energy policies. On November 6, 2015, six years after Trans-Canada submitted the first application to build the Keystone XL pipeline, the Obama government rejected the plan stating, "the Keystone XL pipeline does not serve the national interests of the United States.”  By rejecting this project, the president is putting thousands of American jobs at risk and jeopardizing our access to a safe oil supply. If the U.S. does not move quickly to get Keystone XL built, we risk losing access to this important North American energy resource to other energy-hungry nations like China.

To overcome the president’s obstruction, the House has now voted a total of 11 times to allow for construction of the pipeline, which is estimated to create over 40,000 jobs and carry nearly a million additional barrels per day of secure supplies to U.S. refineries. Most recently, legislation approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline was passed by the Senate on January 29, 2015, and by the House on February 11, 2015. President Obama vetoed the bill on February 24, 2015, arguing that the decision of approval should rest with the Executive Branch. The Senate was unable to override the veto by a two-thirds majority, with a 62-37 vote.

Combatting Burdensome Regulations
Since 2009, the EPA has published over 3,900 final rules in the Federal Register. These rules apply broadly across the U.S. economy, including to the electricity, oil and gas, and manufacturing and industrial sectors. Among the rules issued are an expanding set of over 100 greenhouse gas related rules, including the agency’s “Clean Power Plan,” as well as other major rules affecting energy production and industrial activity. Significant questions and concerns have been raised by the states regarding the complexity, costs, legality, and feasibility of certain major agency rules, including rules affecting the electricity, oil, and gas sectors.

Over-regulation has increased costs and created unnecessary and burdensome challenges for our economy and American businesses. These challenges delay or halt new construction and deter investment. U.S. producers already face steep competition from foreign companies in countries such as China, India, Columbia, Korea and other developing countries that do not have comparable emission standards. As our economy recovers, Congress should focus on policies that relieve financial stress from American families and business, not burden them with higher costs.

In recent years, there have been many examples of EPA overextending their powers. As you may know, the Clean Water Act – legislation from 1972 – was intended to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters through partnerships between states and the federal government, mostly through the administration of the EPA. However, since implementation of the Clean Water Act, the EPA has over extended their regulatory practices; going so far as to revising standards and withdrawing permits from states whose water quality standards had already been approved by the EPA.

In June 2015, the EPA in conjunction with President Obama proposed a rule for existing power plants, referred to by the agency as its "Clean Power Plan." In the rule, the EPA interprets a rarely invoked provision of the Clean Air Act to allow the agency to set mandatory carbon dioxide (CO2) "goals" for each state's electricity system. In the proposal, the EPA seeks to fundamentally change how electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed in the United States. Under EPA's unprecedented proposal, states are required to submit complex state plans to the EPA beginning in 2016, and must begin to meet interim goals by 2020. Texas especially would bear an enormous burden, requiring we reduce our power-sector emissions about 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030, while other states do not need to reduce emissions whatsoever. For states that do not submit a satisfactory plan, the EPA would impose a Federal Plan.