Energy to Grow the Economy
Access to reliable, affordable energy is vital to the success of the United States economy and our global security. But our continued dependence on dwindling oil reserves from foreign sources poses a threat to U.S. national security and the burning of fossil fuels has had severe consequences for our environment. America has reached a critical juncture where energy policy decisions must be made to create greener and cleaner sources of power.
I support the following key actions that will put national security back into the hands of America, deliver new jobs to the American economy, stop the progression of global climate change, and maintain America’s place as a leader in the world:
• Fund and support innovative energy projects: Clean and green energy technologies, including advanced solar and wind, geothermal, and wave, may take years to achieve their full replacement potential. It is imperative to support many of these projects concurrently and without delay to allow the best technologies to mature as quickly as possible. I will support the funding of innovative energy projects that offer promise for decreasing our reliance on foreign sources of energy.
• Support energy efficiency initiatives: Improving energy efficiencies in existing U.S. residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors represents one of the most straightforward means for reducing our energy use. I will develop and support prudent national policies to improve energy efficiencies.
• Improve access to public transportation: The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) estimates that using public transportation in the United States saves approximately 4 billion gallons of gasoline annually. I will work to make public transit systems more accessible, efficient, and reliable in and between more cities and communities—large and small.
• Modernize our electrical grid: I will support the modernization of the aging U.S. power infrastructure with the development of smart grid and meter systems. These improved systems can save energy, reduce costs, and improve reliability.
• Collaborate with all stakeholders in the energy dialogue: Energy is a shared concern for developed and developing nations alike. I will work with local, state, national, and international partners on mutually beneficial energy policies that address our shared need to develop new, sustainable sources of fuel and reverse the detrimental effects of global climate change.
