Energy should be a top priority next Congress. For far too many years, Congress has been at an impasse on issues of strong bipartisan support, including recent measures on energy efficiency and Keystone XL. Should the Republicans gain control of the U.S. Senate, leaders should proactively reach across the aisle to find real solutions to our energy challenges. A recent poll from NBC News/Wall Street Journal finds that for 23 percent of voters ending the gridlock in Washington is a top concern.
Congress may think that energy has become an overly partisan issue, but outside Washington many energy issues have broad support.
An easy start would be facilitating the expansion of energy infrastructure, including Keystone XL. Our continent’s burgeoning supplies of oil and natural gas lack sufficient access to infrastructure. Keystone XL remains highly popular amongst voters, and Republican, Democrat and Independent candidates in most of the contentious U.S. Senate races support the project. Once Keystone XL is approved, Congress and the Administration need to address infrastructure permitting and how we’re going to adapt to our changing energy landscape. The Obama Administration is seeking to address some of these challenges through its Quadrennial Energy Review, due out in January. Congress would be wise to act as well.
Additionally, Republicans and Democrats should act to diffuse the partisan rhetoric on renewable energy. After all, many polls show that voters support an “all of the above” energy play that includes utilizing renewable energy as a way to increase energy self-sufficiency. Wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and other renewable resources will continue to play a role in our energy future. A few GOP candidates, such as U.S. Congressman Cory Gardner, have come out in support of wind energy in their campaigns, understanding the broad support renewable energy has. Lawmakers in Washington and in state capitals should address opportunities and challenges these resources face – including reliable, cost-effective integration to the electricity grid and cost competitiveness – in a way that doesn’t pick winners and losers.
Party affiliation should not matter when it comes to meeting our nation’s energy needs, growing our economy and ensuring a diverse and sustainable energy future. For too long, some have attempted to create a false choice pitting the environment against energy production of all types. Congress should be above this fray. We can and must protect our environment AND develop our energy resources. This should be something in which Democrats and Republicans should agree.
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