Energy

We all feel the pain of increases in gas prices and in utility costs for our homes and businesses.

Our addiction to foreign oil is dangerous to both our economy and our national security.  Becoming energy independent is a priority but since the U.S. has an estimated 3% of global petroleum reserves, yet consumes 24% of the world’s oil, energy independence requires short-term, medium-term and long-term goals.  In addition, the challenge of global climate change requires that we pursue technology in order to constrain carbon pollution and lessen its environmental and economic harm.

Utah families recognize we face a complicated challenge and it will take a comprehensive approach to meet it.  I believe common sense energy policy demands that we pull all the levers available to us, starting with more domestic oil and natural gas production.

I do not agree with an energy bill that features a one-size-fits-all approach, or one that results in unfair regional wealth transfers. A much greater effort is also needed to address the lack of electricity transmission capacity across the nation.

I have supported:

• Lifting the ban on exploration and drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
• Dropping the hold on oil shale and tar sands leasing in the West
• Authorizing the Department of Energy to invest in the research and development of alternatives such as electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, smart grid technology, wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, hydrogen energy, industrial energy efficiency and vehicle energy efficiency.