Blog: Compare the Candidates: Energy Issues

Statement

Today, the Chicago Tribune released the candidates' responses to key policy questions posed by the editorial board. Over the next several weeks, we will highlight the stark differences between Congressman Mark Kirk and Alexi on these policy issues. Today's topic: Energy.

The question posed by the Chicago Tribune:

The Energy Information Administration projects that fossil fuels will provide 78 percent of America's energy supply in 2035, down from 84 percent today. Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico provides 30 percent of America's domestic oil production today. What are your priorities for U.S. energy production? How can the U.S. reduce its reliance on foreign oil? Should the U.S. halt or expand offshore drilling? Should it subsidize, or not subsidize, the production of ethanol for fuel?

Mark Kirk's response:

I strongly support policies that end our dependence on foreign oil and improve our environment without adversely affecting jobs and economic growth in our state. We should support permanent -- not temporary -- tax credits for wind, solar, geothermal, fuel cell, ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative energies to reduce America's dependence on Middle East oil and protect the environment. We should build 50 new nuclear power plants in America and complete the trans-Canada natural gas pipeline. We should back innovators like FutureGen, Argonne and Fermilab. These are ideas that would 1) lower our dependence on foreign oil, 2) create jobs, not wipe them out, and 3) receive bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. I support an all-of-the-above solution to end American dependence on foreign oil, including exploration for American energy offshore. In the wake of the BP spill in the Gulf, I agreed the President's pause until the technology is in place to prevent another disaster.

Alexi's response:

I support efforts to create a comprehensive, market-based system that puts a price on global warming pollution and spurs investment in renewable energy and new clean energy jobs. This isn't just an environmental issue, or an economic issue -- it's also a national security issue. We are addicted to oil -- an addiction that causes us to send billions of dollars overseas each day to buy oil from unstable and undemocratic regimes -- the same regimes that are the primary funders of terrorism. It's a dangerous addiction and it must stop. Earlier this year I outlined a comprehensive plan to wean America from oil and create a new clean energy economy. My plan establishes an oil reduction target of 7 million barrels per day by 2030, nearly wiping out the anticipated demand for foreign oil by increasing fuel efficiency standards and bringing new, cleaner sources of energy to scale through a national Renewable Energy Standard. As part of this plan, we should raise the ethanol blend level so that the market demand can be met. When we address global warming, we are spurring the industries of tomorrow, creating good jobs that can't be outsourced, and restoring America's place as the innovation leader. And when we set strong market signals that cap air and water pollutants, we are establishing a level playing field that allows the most innovative companies to reduce costs for consumers, reduce the damage to our environment, and become industry leaders.

Naturally, Mark Kirk omitted the fact that he once supported a market-based system that puts a price on global warming pollution, but switched course when he saw how much his vote in favor of the bill angered his right-wing base. Indeed, in this short clip, you can see Mark Kirk taking both sides of the issue in the span of 30 seconds.

The Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters, which had endorsed Kirk in the past, refused to endorse him after his flip-flop and proudly endorsed Alexi's candidacy instead. Alexi has been a leader in calling for a common-sense, responsible energy policy that saves our planet, helps our economy grow, and enhances our national security. As Alexi has stated in a piece explaining his energy position:

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I believe that America's energy independence doesn't run through the Gulf of Mexico. It runs right here through the prairies of Illinois. Here, in the heartland, we have the resources and the will to transform our energy framework. From a moral, national security and economic standpoint, it's insane that we are living in the 21st century yet we rely on 19th and 20th century technologies to power our homes, fuel our cars and conduct our nation's business.

You can read Alexi's comprehensive energy plan on our Issues Page by clicking here. Alexi's plan for reducing our dependence on oil and shifting to alternative energy sources won him the endorsement of General Wesley Clark, a leader on environmental issues:

General Wesley Clark has been a vocal leader in need for clean energy development. He supports reforms because they will not only be good for the environment and the economy, but because they are imperative to protecting America's national security. This was the same reason Congressman Mark Kirk cited when he voted for energy legislation in the House last year - legislation he now opposes. "Investing in a clean energy economy will not only be good for our environment, but it will also strengthen our national security and jumpstart our economy," said General Clark. "Congressman Kirk agreed with me when he voted for the energy bill last year, but now he stands starkly against it. That's not leadership, and it's not the type of forward-thinking advocate that Illinois voters should send to the U.S. Senate."

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