Rising gas prices are a constant burden for families already struggling with tight budgets. Americans want affordable alternatives and energy independence, not a national energy tax. Our energy policy should focus on increasing domestic oil production and clean nuclear energy which will provide independence from foreign sources and more jobs here at home.

In recent years, I have supported more than 15 bills that would allow states to drill for oil on public lands and off shore. I am an original co-sponsor of the American Energy Act which calls for environmentally safe drilling and promotes power conservation. It includes an ambitious nuclear agenda, opening the door for nuclear energy to compete in the free market as an affordable emissions-free option.

It’s also encouraging to see the progress we are making in Tennessee at UTC’s Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment where students are working to create renewable energy sources for transportation. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is leading the nation in energy research and development that can be used to generate safer nuclear power and more energy efficient cars and homes. 

I will continue working hard to keep energy prices affordable using an “all of the above” approach for our energy future.