Energy
Our nation’s reliance on foreign oil is a threat to our national security, our economy, and our environment. We need to invest in new forms of energy that will create good jobs in Northwest Washington and reduce our reliance on imported oil.
We have made great progress recently in expanding our use of our domestic fuel supply. Domestic production is at an eight-year high, and for the first time since 1949, the United States was actually a net exporter of oil in 2011.
As we seek to relieve pressure on the oil markets, we must continue developing renewable energies and increase our fuel efficiency. One example of this is our investment in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies, as well as making our traditional vehicles more fuel efficient. New fuel economy standards put in place last year in cooperation with the auto companies will help us save 2.2 million barrels of oil a day by 2025.
We cannot end our dependence on foreign oil overnight, and I will continue to support the good-paying jobs at oil refineries in Northwest Washington. However, to create a foundation for future economic growth, we must do more than business as usual. The United States needs to develop a comprehensive energy strategy to reduce energy prices and break our addiction to foreign oil.
Click here for more information about Washington state policies and incentives for energy efficiency.
Accomplishments
- Voted for and Congress passed a landmark energy bill that invests in alternative fuels and makes cars and trucks more fuel-efficient, saving consumers as much as $22 billion at the pump in one year alone
- Supported increasing the Bonneville Power Administration's borrowing authority by $3.25 billion to help modernize Washington state's electricity grid, integrate wind power and other renewable energy sources and create jobs
- Fought for assistance for state and local governments to become more energy efficient. For example, Whatcom County is using federal funds to weatherize thousands of homes, creating good jobs for out of work contractors and saving families money on their energy bills
- Supported new tax credits for renewable energy, which allow wind and solar projects in our state to move forward during these difficult economic times
- Worked to keep public transportation viable and green by co-sponsoring legislation to provide public transportation grants to state and local governments who expand options or use alternative energy sources
- Co-sponsored legislation to promote manufacturing of clean energy technology to create green jobs.