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Energy
WHEN IT COMES TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, I BELIEVE IN THE FOLLOWING CORE PRINCIPLES -
There is, perhaps, no greater threat to economic and national security then our dependence on foreign oil.
Today, the United States imports 45 percent of the oil we consume, and our energy grid is deteriorating. New sources of energy are not being accessed quickly enough. One thing is clear: America needs a comprehensive domestic energy policy that puts us on a path to American energy independence.
I believe that policy should begin with expanding domestic production of near term fuel sources, and those resources should not include food-based fuels. That means oil, natural gas, coal, oil shale, and products to produce methanol and ethanol, instead of ethanol-based sources produced from corn or sugar, which make consumers unnecessarily compete between food and energy resources. This should also include the expanded use of clean and efficient nuclear power. In the meantime, we should also build our domestic energy policy on the larger North American energy independence, which is why I support the Keystone XL pipeline project. If the president finally gives his approval, America will reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil and instead rely upon our friends and allies to the north and south, Canada and Mexico.
Lastly, we must stop feeding the notion that government can force innovation and create green jobs and, instead, let entrepreneurs create the future by removing taxes on capital and stop trying to pick winners and losers. While government has a role to play in offering research and development tax credits, financially participating in competitions, and creating an environment where the best can shine, it cannot mandate progress or legislate energy independence.
WITH THOSE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ME, I SUPPORT
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The Keystone XL Pipeline
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Expanding US refining capacity
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Expanding the use of nuclear energy
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Drilling in ANWR
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Encourage the State of Florida to create incentives for the utilization of bio-mass, grasses, and algae for fuel sources that will utilize Florida's amazing growing capacity without endangering food crops
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