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.