This past year, high gas prices placed a significant burden on American families, particularly those in rural areas like Southern Missouri. Proposals to increase the federal gas tax on consumers or to raise tax burdens on domestic energy companies are no solution to our energy problems. We must strengthen economic health, boost domestic production and encourage the production and use of alternative energies in order to bring more stability into the marketplace for consumers. I remain committed to achieving this by working with my colleagues towards solutions that develop the energy of tomorrow while maximizing U.S. resources today.

In the United States, we are blessed with abundant natural resources including oil reserves. Unfortunately, this oil remains in the ground and our dependency on foreign oil continues because environmental regulations prevent exploration of these natural resources. We must also support and utilize the renewable energy sources that are available to us. These renewable technologies include wind, solar, clean coal and ethanol. We need an energy policy that increases all forms of American energy, enhances conservation, and invests in future fuels at the same time. I have supported the development of these innovative resources.

Renewable energy alternatives offer us domestic energy sources that are helpful to the environment and to America's family farmers. I look forward to supporting the continued development and utilization of these technologies. They will play an important role in the future of our energy independence. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is as vital as supporting the development and utilization of alternative energy sources. The solution must be comprehensive. We are not going to fix this problem with a windmill only, nuclear only, or conservation only solution. We must have long-term changes to our nation’s energy policy.



Relevant Legislation and Status:

HR 6 - the Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation (CLEAN Energy) Act. This bill limited tax benefits provided to oil and gas companies and required current offshore fuel producers to pay royalties if they are currently not paying them. Revenues generated from these provisions will be directed towards alternative energy and conservation measures. 12/19/2007 Became Public Law No: 110-140


Position Statement:

Offshore Drilling – I have supported amendments offered to the Interior Appropriations bill to allow for oil and natural gas drilling.

Energy Efficiency – I have supported amendments offered to the various Appropriations bills requiring the use of energy efficient light bulbs in government offices.

I have cosponsored a bill to extend tax credits to encourage the construction of energy efficient buildings.

Helpful Links:

http://www.energy.gov/
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/
http://thomas.loc.gov/