Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Mike is an original co-sponsor of the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act, which is a bipartisan effort to increase our energy supply and reduce consumption so that we are not dependent on foreign countries for our energy supplies. This comprehensive bill would:

* Allow deep sea drilling for oil and gas in the Outer Continental Shelf in an environmentally-safe manner;
* Increase investments in advanced renewable technologies, such as wind, solar and hydrogen fuel cells:
* Develop options for increased use of natural gas, hybrid and plug-in vehicles and other alternative fuels;
* Increase fuel efficiency and conservation to lessen demand; and
* Explore further the use of biomass, geothermal and other energy sources.

Royalties for drilling would be re-invested in environmental programs, conservation and economic development for states and local communities. Energy independence is a matter of economic survival and national security.

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