Energy
The issue of Energy is important to our district and to my work in Congress.
We need an all-of-the-above energy policy that includes domestic oil and natural gas production, nuclear, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal. Nevada is poised to lead the nation in the production of renewable energy sources which will help get people back to work and improve our economy.
Developing our renewable energy resources and improving our energy efficiency is very important to Nevada, especially to our job creation efforts. Nevada is one of the top producers of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. Encouraging the increased use and improvement of these technologies throughout our state will help put Nevadans back to work. Since coming to Congress I have been working on a number of different initiatives to promote renewable energy development.
I recently voted for two amendments to H.R. 3408, the PIONEERS Act, which support the development of renewable energy. I supported the Hastings Amendment which streamlines the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to allow for accelerated development of renewable energy projects on federal lands and waters. This change would be extremely beneficial to Nevada, since our state is approximately 87 percent owned by the federal government. Already on these lands are a variety of parks, conservation programs, and a few renewable energy programs. There is great potential for new renewable energy programs on the vast amounts of federal lands in Nevada, which would create local jobs and bolster the local economy.
On numerous occasions the House has voted to approve the job-creating Keystone XL pipeline project which would bring crude oil from Canada to refineries in the southeastern United States. I believe that this project would have a profound impact on the economy - both by creating jobs and increasing domestic energy supplies - which is why I have voted in favor of its construction. Unfortunately, its construction has been repeatedly delayed by the Administration despite strong bipartisan support in Congress. I will continue advocate for the approval of the project.
I recognize the connection between fuel prices and family economies. When prices go up at the gas pump, families feel the strain on their budgets. I will continue to support policies that wll bring gas prices down so families can hold on to more of their hard-earned money. To learn more about what I am doing to reduce fuel prices, click here.
Hydroelectric power from Hoover Dam was first allocated by Congress in 1928, and has been allocated by Congress even since. Today, more than 29 million residents in California, Nevada, and Arizona receive power from Hoover Dam. It is some of the cleanest and cheapest power in the country, but its power contracts are scheduled to expire in five years. A bill I introduced, the Hoover Power Allocation Act, which will create certainty over future electricity prices for families and businesses by extending Hoover Dam’s operating contacts for another 50 years, became law in December of 2011.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issue of Energy, please contact my Washington, DC office.