Energy & Environment

Modern-day America needs energy to function - lots of it.

That may seem like common-sense, but the manner with which we pursue new sources of energy here in America are anything but common-sense.

Unfortunately, many in Washington are intent on placing enormous restrictions on our energy creation and exploration right at a time when we need it most.  Some of these restrictions might make sense...if we were in the 1950s.  But today's technology enables us to drill for oil, build nuclear power plants, and use our most abundant resource, coal, with little environmental impact.

So what's the solution from Washington for our energy needs?  A huge new energy tax on every American household in the name of "climate change."  My opponent voted for this new cap-and-trade tax that, if passed, will depress economic growth and send more jobs overseas to countries like India and China.

Instead of unreasonable restrictions and higher taxes, we should be pursuing every source of energy available to us - offshore oil, natural gas, clean coal, solar and wind where feasible, and nuclear power - and keeping taxes low.

As Congresswoman, I will support expansion of our energy production in every area with the goal of making America energy independent.  By expanding our energy sources, we can keep the cost of energy low and our economy growing.

I'm excited by the opportunities we have to build America, help keep jobs at home, and create new jobs in the various energy sectors. Energy expansion is a key way for us to build our nation's future security for us and our children.

It is also vitally important that we promote policies that help protect our environment for us and future generations while we keep our economy growing.  The way to do this is to "think globally, act locally" by promoting conservation programs with both businesses and individuals rather than enacting a huge energy tax on every person in the 8th district.  As Congresswoman, I will support these government-private partnership programs with companies in the 8th district.