6/29/2009

Kirk Statement Regarding the American Clean Energy and Security Act

For 2009, our top goal should be energy independence.  I support exploring for energy off our coasts, expanding nuclear power and building a natural gas pipeline across Canada to lower heating costs in the Midwest – an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy.  As a Navy veteran, I think it is time to set America's policy towards defunding Middle Eastern dictatorships by cutting our foreign oil bill, giving our troops less to worry about.  That is why during the debate on the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) bill, I voted for the Republican Forbes (R-VA) Substitute, based on the text of the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, H.R. 513.  Our "Manhattan" energy bill set a goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil by 50% in 10 years and 100% in 20 years.  The bill cost $24 billion but would eliminate the $400 billion Americans currently spend on foreign oil. The bill backed solar, wind, hydro, clean coal and nuclear power.  It enhanced research, especially in nuclear fusion, bio-fuels, carbon-capture systems and efficiency upgrades.  Unfortunately, this bill was defeated by a vote of 172 to 255.  Full Story