Energy

Our nation’s reliance on foreign oil is a threat to our national security, our economy, and our environment.  We need to invest in new forms of energy that will create good jobs in Northwest Washington and reduce our reliance on imported oil.

We cannot end our dependence on foreign oil overnight, and I will continue to support the good-paying jobs at oil refineries in Northwest Washington.  However, to create a foundation for future economic growth, we must do more than business as usual.  The United States needs to develop a comprehensive energy strategy to reduce energy prices and break our addiction to foreign oil.

Click here for more information about Washington state policies and incentives for energy efficiency: http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?re=1&ee=1&spv=0&st=0&srp=1&state=WA

Accomplishments

• Voted for and Congress passed a landmark energy bill that invests in alternative fuels and makes cars and trucks more fuel-efficient, saving consumers as much as $22 billion at the pump in one year alone

• Supported increasing the Bonneville Power Administration's borrowing authority by $3.25 billion to help modernize Washington state's electricity grid, integrate wind power and other renewable energy sources and create jobs

• Fought for assistance for state and local governments to become more energy efficient. For example, Whatcom County is using federal funds to weatherize thousands of homes, creating good jobs for out of work contractors and saving families money on their energy bills

• Supported new tax credits for renewable energy, which allow wind and solar projects in our state to move forward during these difficult economic times

• Worked to keep public transportation viable and green by co-sponsored legislation to provide public transportation grants to state and local governments who expand options or use alternative energy sources

• Co-sponsored legislation to promote manufacturing of clean energy technology to create green jobs.