Energy
An independent and sustainable energy strategy is an essential piece of America’s economic rebound. As we work to develop cheaper, more renewable energy sources, we must embrace all options, including natural gas, wind, solar and developing renewable technologies. Rhode Island is already leading the way by working to construct the nation’s first offshore wind farm.
An independent and sustainable energy strategy is an essential piece of America’s economic rebound. As we work to develop cheaper, more renewable energy sources, we must embrace all options, including natural gas, wind, solar and developing renewable technologies. Rhode Island is already leading the way by working to construct the nation’s first offshore wind farm.
At the same time, we must realize how tightly our nation’s environmental and energy policies are intertwined. With gas prices constantly in flux, it is time to focus on energy solutions that will end our dependency on foreign oil and move us closer to a clean energy future. David has introduced legislation, the Building Our Clean Energy Future Now Act, which seeks to rein in taxpayer subsidies for big oil companies and instead focus on clean-energy investments including cleaner vehicle technologies and infrastructure, cleaner fuels, and public transportation among other environmentally sound policies. This shift in focus will not only benefit our environment, but will also create new jobs as we secure our clean energy future now.
As Rhode Island gas prices continue to hover around $4 per gallon, we need immediate action to provide relief at the pump in the short term, and greater energy independence in the long run. In May of 2011, David urged Speaker of the U.S. House John Boehner to bring two pieces of legislation to the House floor for a vote, which would provide immediate relief to consumers from the rising price of gasoline. One would release oil from the strategic petroleum reserve, and the other legislation is aimed at preventing market speculators from engaging in price gouging schemes which drive up the price of oil. Yet, ultimately, until our nation makes the necessary and sustained investments in clean-energy technology that will once and for all end our dependence on foreign energy imports and Big Oil, we will continue to be held at the mercy of Wall Street speculators artificially driving up fuel prices.