Energy and the Environment

Although President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Republican energy policy amounts mostly to continued dependence on foreign oil despite skyrocketing prices. The tragedy of America's energy policy is that it harms everyone. Our dependence encourages irresponsible foreign policy in the Middle East, results in regressive energy cost burdens, and increases environmentally destructive pollutants. We need a new policy that is focused on developing self-sufficient, sustainable renewable energy sources.

America's strength is our ability to develop creative and innovative responses in the face of restrictions. We must direct this productivity towards the development of alternative energy sources. Moreover, we must create incentives for individuals and businesses to take up these new technologies. When we harness the powerful pull of demand towards alternative energy technology, American innovation will supply better and more environmentally sound technology

In the short-term, automakers and utility companies may need government assistance in the development of new technology to achieve the goal of self-reliance. In order to accomplish this, I propose we expand the public-private partnerships to develop alternative energy sources. Incentives to develop these technologies in the short-terms coupled with government research and development support will help jump-start the new energy technology market.

Create an alternative energy society. With rising oil prices and costly heating bills, our use of fossil fuels has moved front and center. I believe that American innovation properly motivated with government incentives and support can deliver economically-viable renewable energy technology within a decade. We are nation of inventors. If we can create the will, we can develop sustainable energy sources. Doing this is critical to not only reducing emissions and the threat of global warming but also allowing us to pursue a more unbiased foreign policy in the Middle East and the world.

Provide energy assistance. Many low-income households are threatened with fuel-induced poverty as energy costs become less affordable. In order to address this problem in the long-term we must increase our support for alternative energy technology. However, in the short term we need to increase subsidies to vulnerable groups to ensure that they have the adequate funds necessary to heat their homes and fuel their cars. I support short-term initiatives that provide financial support to senior citizens and to families with children under the age of 13, to ensure that their homes can be maintained at a safe temperature. I also support a short-term tax break for low-income individuals to ensure they can fuel their cars and get to their places of work. These efforts, together with an in-depth investigation into price gouging and collusion, are necessary to ensure that our basic energy needs are met in the short-term.

Curb global warming. The scientific evidence of global climate change is overwhelming and the reality that our planet is warming can not be ignored any longer. I strongly support standards to reduce carbon pollution. The best way to do this may require a range of options from regulations to market-based incentives such as tradable pollution permits. I support increased regulations that will ensure US compliance with Kyoto standards 2016. In order to accomplish this, we will need to pursue a variety of approaches from encouraging energy-efficient, cleaner-burning technology to creating binding emissions caps regulated through a tradable permit system. Only by committing to this reduction can we prevent the devastating ecological consequences of global warming.

Protect ANWR. Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is a national treasure. It represents a swath of pristine land that is untouched by human development and remains the home for hundreds of species of plants and animals. Greed and oil dependence are threatening to ruin this natural resource and as your Congressman, I will oppose any efforts to open this area for exploration or drilling.

Promote Responsible Land Use. Pollution, overuse, and irresponsible management are taking a toll on America's natural resources. More than half of national forests have been logged. (Source: NRDC). I will support federal efforts to encourage responsible private forest management and sustainable mining and extraction processes.

Clean up the Hudson. The Hudson River is a treasured resource that runs through the 19th district. Unfortunately, it is on of the more polluted rivers in the United States. I am committed to stopping the pollution of all our rivers by electric companies and other businesses. I also hope to find the necessary resources to decontaminate and clean the Hudson.

Smart Growth. While economic growth is the engine that has fueled American progress we cannot afford to continue irresponsible behaviors that are related to that growth. I strongly support efforts at sustainable development and smart growth. In particular, I support efforts to resist sprawl which frequently results in deforestation and other environmental harms. I also support efforts to incentivize businesses to engage in responsible labor and environmental practices and the development of corporate citizenship requirements.