For the future of our nation, the preservation of the environment and the stability of our economy, America must become energy independent. Congressman Roskam has consistently placed his support behind an "all of the above" approach to our energy challenges.
Beyond the current price relief, our traditional domestic sources of energy are needed as a bridge to the day when alternative fuels are more developed and widely applicable.
Conservation and Efficiency
Congressman Roskam authored legislation to develop anti-idling technology and provide a tax credit for those who turn in old, fuel-inefficient cars for new, more efficient vehicles.
During his first term, Roskam worked to pass the bipartisan Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 to increase CAFE fuel efficiency standards by 40%.
- The first increase in more than 30 years.
For the home as well, the EISA and the Congressman's own Energy VISION Act provide increases in appliance efficiency and tax credits to make those upgrades affordable.
Domestic Production
Expanding domestic production of energy will bring immediate price relief at the pump.
- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before the House Financial Services Committee that a 1% increase in domestic production of oil and gas could drop prices 10%!
Increased domestic supply will provide more stability to the oil markets, dampening speculation on Wall Street which drives prices up.
Alternative Energy
Congressman Roskam's Energy VISION Act seizes on these opportunities by using the federal revenues collected from increased domestic production to fund the development of our energy future.
Roskam’s VISION Act would:
- Authorize Clean Renewable Energy Bonds to finance the construction of wind, solar and geothermal energy projects.
- Fund the construction of a near-zero emissions coal fired power plant so we can move closer to using our nation's vast coal reserves.
To ensure we lead the world's new energy economy, Congressman Roskam is focused on funding the fundamental research we need in the development of Energy Frontier Research Centers for understanding where the new frontiers of energy are emerging.
Congressman Roskam has proposed legislation to streamline the development of nuclear power plants while retaining important public health and safety protections to further reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Protecting Consumers
Congressman Roskam helped pass the bipartisan Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act to create the Petroleum Industry Antitrust Task Force in the Department of Justice. Roskam believes that we must protect consumers and hold oil giants accountable for their actions.
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