Energy & Air Quality

Energy & Air Quality

Energy

 

America is currently far too dependent of foreign sources of fossil fuels.  While we should always be looking to expand our energy portfolio with renewable resources such as wind, solar, biomass, and ethanol we must be resigned to the fact that fossil fuels will continue to serve the majority of America’s energy needs.

 

Our reliance on foreign oil not only negatively impacts our economy, but also poses a serious national security threat.  America has not built an oil refinery in over 30 years, and our current refineries are operating at near capacity.  While we look to expand the use of renewable energy sources, we must not turn our backs on natural resources found within our borders and on the Outer Continental Shelf such as oil, coal, liquid natural gas, and oil shale.

 

As carbon emissions continue to draw public attention, energy efficiency must be the primary stimulus to reduce carbon emissions.  Economically stifling proposals such as a carbon cap and trade program will only hurt the consumer through higher prices and must be soundly rejected.

 

Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy on the planet and should be expanded in the United States as technologies have improved over the years.  New technologies such as Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) are the future of clean burning fossil fuels in America and I support R&D efforts to spur their deployment.

 

Energy independence will be one of the greatest challenges for America in the 21st and the only way we will achieve our goal is through a balanced approach of reducing our dependence on foreign oil, utilizing America’s abundant natural resources, encouraging new technologies, and reliance on an innovative and competitive market.

Air Quality


The state of California has two regions that are notorious for poor air quality, the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin.  The San Joaquin Valley is classified by the EPA as “not-attainment” of national 8-hour ozone and Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 standards.  As Valley leaders work towards a solution to cleaner air and meeting EPA and California Air Resources Board regulations and requirements for air quality, I too am working with my colleagues in Congress to make sure the proper tolls are available to reduce emissions and meet our air quality goals.   With advances in technology, and the increasing pressure to reduce emissions, I’m certain we will be able to create a cleaner Valley for our children.