Energy
The desire for clean air, clean water and a safe environment are important goals shared by everyone. I support responsible environmental legislation that protects the environment, while also protecting the rights of individuals and businesses.
The production of energy is not only integral to the growth of an economy and a nation, but inseparable from that progress. Energy has and always will be directly correlated to the increasing standard of living of a nation. Production of energy, however, comes at a cost to the environment. In almost all faith traditions, God has provided mankind with dominion over that environment and entrusted a duty of stewardship to us all. Therefore, while it is necessary to use our natural resources to grow the economy and increase the standard of living for all citizens, it is imperative that we do so responsibly. Alleviating poverty and expanding economic opportunity are absolutely necessary, yet each must be done in a manner that preserves those same natural resources for future generations.
The previous Congress considered legislation that gave little, if any, consideration to the economic needs of the nation. It began with an unproven assumption that there exists a link between the mandates in the legislation and the supposed positive impact to the environment. Neither the assumed link nor the supposed benefits are objectively verifiable.
Additionally, the Act inaccurately claimed to employ a method of “Cap and Trade,” when, in fact, the method used in the Act is more analogous to a “Cap, Tax, and Auction” method. The latter method violates basic principles of free market economics and will stunt, if not reverse, economic growth.
Environmental policy must be grounded in sound science, economic realities, and discussed in a spirit of mutual respect. I am committed to ensuring the environment is protected and the economy is strong. There is every reason to believe both goals can be accomplished.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issue of Energy, please contact my Washington, DC office.
I look forward to your feedback.
Thank you.
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