Energy

Because Maine is a rural state and because our winters can be long and cold, high energy prices have hit us particularly hard. At the same time, Maine is becoming a leader in the development of renewable energy sources. That combination of factors makes it particularly important for us to move quickly to end our dependence on fossil fuel and embrace clean energy.

In Congress I would work to repeal the massive subsidies that the oil, gas and coal industry have been enjoying and invest some of that money in renewable energy research and development -- investments that could equal good jobs here in Maine. I support making the Production Tax Credit for renewable power permanent, as well as a national Renewable Portfolio Standard, requiring utilities to buy a portion of the electricity from clean energy sources.

Even though they are earning record profits on the highest energy prices in our history, oil and gas companies still enjoy massive subsidies. I oppose those subsidies and believe that at least some of the money should go to encourage alternative energy development.