Energy
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Achieving energy independence should be a top national security and economic priority for the United States, and South Carolina’s Third Congressional District is poised to help lead the way. From Aiken to Pickens, partnerships between businesses and universities in the third district are helping our country end its dependence on foreign oil. I support the research and missions at Savannah River Site and Clemson University that bring our country closer to real energy independence and offers our region of the state the prospect of more jobs and new industries.
I support an all-of-the-above energy policy. Energy security must be a top priority for the United States – there is no national security without energy security. We cannot continue to rely on volatile Middle Eastern supplier countries and OPEC. I support oil exploration and production in the Gulf Coast, in Alaska, in the West, and even through oil sands with our neighbor to the north, Canada (through the proposed Keystone XL pipeline). We have tremendous opportunities with natural gas through shale extraction and hydraulic fracturing. Nuclear energy has proven to be extremely vital in my district and throughout the country, and it has great potential to emerge as an important energy source of the future. I am very interested in renewable sources such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. Virtually all these energy sources have faced regulatory burdens obtaining permits and leases from overly bureaucratic federal agencies.
In May of 2011, the United States House of Representatives, with the leadership of the Natural Resources Committee, passed three pieces of legislation, H.R. 1229, H.R. 1230, and H.R. 1231, all of which I cosponsored, that will continue our quest for energy independence by opening up deep sea energy exploration and production. I will continue to support legislation that allows for expanded energy exploration within the United States.
- Gas Prices: The price of oil is determined by four basic groups that include crude oil, taxes, distribution and marketing, and refining costs and profit. The failed policies of this Administration have doubled gas prices since Obama took office. I am working in my capacity as a Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources to ensure that our American resources are able to be tapped. Opening up American natural resources has the potential to lower prices at the pump across the country.
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.
See also information on saving on gas and home energy expenses.