| If one source of energy becomes more expensive than
alternatives, then those alternatives will be used instead. The market will
ensure that we will have access to the most practical sources of energy, as
long as government rules do not interfere. The federal government should
not tax or subsidize any particular source of energy differently from other
sources of energy. | While some have described the challenge ahead as a
"Manhattan Project," I like to think of the national commitment
that is required as more akin to the "Apollo Project" -- one in
which public investment links with private ingenuity and education to
tackle this challenge. As a member of the Science and Technology Committee,
I am committed to this type of big thinking for the 21st Century. This
nation is long overdue for an energy policy that fundamentally redefines
our approach to conservation, environmentalism and energy consumption. We
need significant long-term investments in clean energy research,
development and production of wind, solar, and other renewable energy
sources and technologies. It is important that we tie our 21st Century
energy policy to economic development by promoting deeper investments in
mass transit and utility infrastructure, especially for vulnerable
communities -- that's about jobs. This type of forward thinking,
multi-faceted approach will provide real solutions to global warming and
will be the catalyst of our nation's next economic boom. | There is nothing in the Constitution that allows Congress to
enact such legislation. Geothermal loop heating and cooling is the most
cost effective means of reducing energy consumption(30% to 50%) in the
home. This can be done cheaply with no government intervention necessary. I
would support a tax credit for retrofitting homes. Compressed
natural gas cars are sold by Honda and others. An inexpensive retrofit kit
to allow you to refuel your car at home is available. This again can be
done with out massive government funds. I would support a tax credit for
this. Americans have trillions of dollars in their retirement
accounts, much of which is invested in oil companies. It is the American
people and not government that can more easily move these funds into new
alternative energy companies. I would support legislation to allow everyone
the ability to self direct their retirement funds into not just what will
make them more money, but into technologies that they believe will make the
world a better place for our children. There are two basic types of
nuclear reactors: One used in US plants that melts down when it runs dry
and, the other used in Europe that shuts down when it runs
dry. France produces 80% of its electric power from nuclear and is
the world's largest exporter of electricity. Nuclear energy is both
safe and one of the cleanest for of energy production. |
