United States Congress

Increase Domestic Energy Production
With major advances in energy technology and innovation and the discovery of vast domestic shale and natural gas reserves, the U.S. is now producing more crude oil than we import for the first time in decades. Our nation needs to continue moving away from volatile oil markets such as the Middle East and Venezuela and instead use environmentally friendly ways to develop domestic energy sources. A commitment to developing North American energy will keep prices affordable for Michigan families, enhance our national security, and boost domestic manufacturing.

The House is working to promote the robust development of American energy, which will spur new jobs and economic growth while firmly putting us on a path to North American energy independence. In January 2015, I supported H.R. 351, the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act, to jump start production of U.S. natural gas, create jobs in America, and help our allies abroad. I cosponsored H.R. 2369, the Energy Supply and Distribution Act in July 2015 to remove the ban on crude oil exports and strengthen our strategic position, and Congress successfully lifted the ban in December 2015 as part of P.L. 114-113.

I also voted in December 2015 in support of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act, a bill to maximize our nation’s energy potential and modernize our laws for the 21st century.

Update our Energy Infrastructure
To make sure these energy resources make it into Michigan homes we must build the necessary infrastructure to transport domestic energy. Pipelines are the safest and most cost-effective way to move energy products, and one project that will accomplish these goals in addition to producing tens of thousands of American jobs is the Keystone XL pipeline. In February 2015, I voted to send the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act to the President’s desk to end years of bureaucratic delays and allow construction on the Keystone XL pipeline to begin.

In January 2015, I also voted in support of H.R. 161, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act to expedite the federal review process for natural gas pipeline applications approval process for the construction and operation of oil and gas pipelines, bringing greater certainty to the energy market and increasing the flow of North American energy.

Develop and Promote Alternative Fuels
We need to support market-based strategies that encourage alternative energy sources like wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and other clean alternatives in addition to promoting conservation.

Support Safe Nuclear Energy
Only 20 percent of the nation’s electricity is produced by nuclear power; meanwhile nations like France receive 75 percent of all its power from nuclear. In Michigan, 30% of our state’s total nuclear generation capacity comes from the Fermi 2 plant located in Michigan’s 7th District. We need to grow our ability to produce this emissions-free energy so that Michigan’s future energy needs can be met.

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LEGISLATION

07/18/2016 – Cosponsor:  H.R. 4559, United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act
03/15/2016 – Cosponsor: H.Con.Res.89, Sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the economy
07/15/2015 – Cosponsor: H.R. 2369, Energy Supply and Distribution Act