Issues
Envir. / Energy
“We need to develop alternative sources of energy like solar, wind, and biofuels. We can dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
Our nation requires a comprehensive plan to address our energy needs and the impact on our environment.
Dependence on Foreign Oil
The United States is more dependent on foreign oil than at any time in our nation’s history, and Kansans are paying $4 for a gallon of gasoline to feed this dependence. Weaning Americans off foreign oil is not only an important economic goal, but also an urgent national security need and will be one of my top priorities.
Efficiency/Conservation
The first step to energy independence is conservation because the cheapest energy is energy we don’t use at all. It is also important that we use our limited resources more efficiently.
Alternative Energy
One of the best ways to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and cut global warming emissions is to invest in the research and development of alternative energies like wind, solar, and biofuels. Tax credits should be offered as incentives to produce and use alternative energy.
Domestic Drilling
I support expanded domestic production of oil but it is important to realize that we cannot drill ourselves out of this energy crisis. We must continue to develop alternative energy sources.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
According to the Department of Energy by 2018 ANWR might produce enough oil to decrease gas prices by only one to four cents a gallon. Therefore, I am opposed to drilling in ANWR and believe we should save the oil for future generations when it can be extracted in an environmentally sound manner.
Clean Coal
I believe it is important to explore clean coal technology to help us end our reliance on foreign oil. I refuse to accept that we cannot develop the technology to capture carbon emissions or burn coal cleanly.
Nuclear
I am open to exploring nuclear energy as one part of the solution to the global energy and environmental crisis.
Climate Change
Climate change is a serious issue facing our entire planet and each of us has a responsibility to address the problem. The best way to reduce the threat of global warming is to reduce CO2 emissions. This can be done by reducing our consumption of fossil fuels and improving the fuel efficiency of our cars and trucks.
And right here in Kansas we have the opportunity to develop alternative energy technologies like wind and biofuels. Investing in these new technologies will not only combat climate change but also encourage economic development by creating good paying “green jobs.”