Energy

Joe strongly believes that we need to adopt an all-in approach to our nation’s energy policy.  From wind to oil, solar to natural gas, to coal and Indiana biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel, he thinks we need to pursue every resource in order to increase our energy independence, while also respecting our environment.  We must find a way to stop sending billions of American dollars overseas each year for foreign oil and continue to develop new energy sources that can help provide affordable energy in the future. Additionally, Joe understands that Hoosiers have a unique opportunity to play a role in the energy economy and that increased energy production and new energy innovations will help produce high-paying jobs in Indiana.

Keystone XL Pipeline

Joe supports the Keystone XL pipeline because of the potential it represents in increasing our country’s energy security and because of the jobs and energy production the pipeline will create in the United States. Joe helped pass in January 2015 a bill in the Senate that would approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Unfortunately, the president vetoed that legislation and the Senate failed to get the 66 votes needed to override that veto.

Power Plant Regulations

Joe thinks a responsible energy policy is critical for Hoosier families and businesses to have access to affordable and reliable energy from coal and other sources.  He, however, does have concerns with unrealistic regulations proposed by EPA that would regulate carbon emissions at new power plants to standards not achievable using existing commercially demonstrated technologies.  A strong supporter of developing new clean coal technologies, Joe is working to establish carbon emissions that protect our environment without hurting our economy.

Biofuels

Joe has expressed his frustration and disappointment over the EPA’s 2014 announcement that it is lowering the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  Indiana is a proud producer of biofuels, which increase our domestic production of energy in order to help us increase our energy independence.  Cutting the volume of renewable fuels required in our overall fuel supply will hurt Indiana workers and hurt Indiana’s economy.

In April 2015, Joe joined a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to EPA Administrator McCarthy urging the EPA to set targets for domestic biofuels that reflect Congress’ intended goals for the RFS. When Congress passed the RFS and it was enacted into law, the intent was a forward-looking policy that drives future investments in both biofuels production and the infrastructure necessary to bring these biofuels to market. 

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