There is no question that our nation needs a plan for energy independence – a plan that keeps our dollars and our jobs right here in America. For too long Washington politicians have refused to take on the special interests, and Upstate families are paying record energy prices as a result. In the midst of the greatest economic crisis in a generation, we continue to face uncertainty as volatility in our energy supply threatens the future for our families, our small businesses, and our national security.
To address these challenges, I am working to chart a new course to put America on a path to energy independence. I believe we need a bold new energy policy that employs every available tool to break our addiction to foreign oil. We must pursue an “all of the above” approach to using our domestic energy resources – wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and nuclear – and invest in a renewable energy infrastructure that will create new clean energy jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. Instead of sending billions of dollars to sustain hostile regimes halfway around the globe, we must redirect our resources to support our consumers, businesses, and agricultural communities’ right here in the 20th District. I believe Upstate New York is uniquely situated to harness the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and we are poised to become leaders in a new energy economy.
In order to meet these objectives, I voted to pass landmark energy independence and clean jobs legislation – The American Clean Energy and Security Act. Although the bill is not perfect, this legislation would fundamentally increase Upstate New York’s competitiveness and create clean energy jobs right here at home, creating over 109,000 new jobs in New York State alone. New York has been a leader in renewable and clean energy, and our early investments will put us at the forefront of a new energy economy. It is also estimated that this legislation will help to cut the United States’ use of oil by more than 5 million barrels a day in the next 20 years – roughly the equivalent to all the oil we currently import daily from the Middle East and Venezuela combined. By investing in clean energy technology and energy efficiency we will not only make our country more secure, but we will also be more competitive in the global marketplace.
While there are no easy solutions to America’s energy needs, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop a long-term, sustainable energy strategy that will reduce energy prices for New York families, end our dependence on foreign oil, and strengthen our national security.
