Oregon’s First Congressional District is known for its natural treasures — from the Pacific Ocean to the Columbia River to the Clatsop State Forest — and it is imperative that they be preserved for future generations. We do not need to sacrifice environmental values to rebuild the economy, and in Congress I have repeatedly voted against legislation that would weaken the environmental review process or threaten the environmental health of our public lands.
With oil prices increasing and the effects of global climate change already apparent, it’s more important than ever to develop a comprehensive national energy policy that includes a greater emphasis on renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. Investing in and developing these nascent technologies will help drive down demand for, and the price of, gasoline. In Oregon, with our natural solar, wind, and wave resources, we have an opportunity to lead the nation in efforts to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. By focusing our investments on renewable resources, we not only protect our environment but also have the opportunity to support new industries, jobs, and innovative businesses that are developing natural energy sources. One of the many steps we can take to begin a shift in our energy policy is eliminating costly and ineffective oil and gas subsidies, and instead putting those resources toward renewable energy research and development.
Additionally I have joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in Congress supporting the continuation of the Production Tax Credit for wind. This credit is critical to supporting emerging industries and creating new jobs across the First District. Set to expire at the end of 2012, this credit needs to be extended to support jobs in Oregon and a new energy future for our country.