Thank
you for contacting me regarding climate change and clean energy. I
appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.
Like
many Missourians, I am concerned that steps taken to address climate
change may have unintended consequences for already struggling working
families. The economic downturn has affected commuting workers,
agricultural producers, and manufacturers throughout our state. As we
work to address climate change, we must fully consider the impact of any
legislation on Missouri's families and the companies that employ them.
With the right policies, we can address the threat of climate change in
a way that protects Missouri consumers and small businesses, generates
new well-paying jobs, and improves America's energy independence.
I
have been a longstanding supporter of efforts to address climate change
and increase our use of renewable energy. That is why I supported the
American Taxpayer Relief Act (P.L. 112-240) that was signed into law by
President Obama on January 2, 2013. In addition to helping our nation
avoid large tax increases and spending cuts brought about by the fiscal
cliff, this legislation extends a number of key tax credits designed to
boost the production and use of renewable energy and energy efficiency
technologies. For instance, this legislation extends through 2013
several renewable energy production tax credits, ensuring that energy
generation from sources like wind, geothermal, and biomass continues to
develop. It also extends a number of energy efficiency programs such as
residential energy efficiency improvements, energy efficient
appliances, and energy-efficient home construction that will help move
our nation toward a more sustainable future.
Additionally,
I have supported renewable energy standards at both the state and
federal level. In 2008, I supported the renewable energy standard
passed by Missouri voters which requires Missouri's utilities to produce
15 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2021. In 2010, I
cosponsored similar legislation at the federal level known as the
Renewable Energy Electricity Promotion Act (S. 3813). Like the
legislation passed by Missouri, S. 3813 would have required utilities to
produce at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources
by 2021. Although this legislation failed to pass, I will continue
working to increase the use of these energy sources.
I
have also supported eliminating subsidies for the largest oil companies
and using this revenue to invest in clean energy technology and deficit
reduction. In the first three quarters of 2012, the five largest oil
companies made an astounding $90 billion in profits. Despite this
enormous figure, U.S. taxpayers continue to provide more than $2 billion
in subsidies for the largest oil companies each year. That is why I
cosponsored the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act (S. 2204). Introduced
by Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, this legislation would have
ended these wasteful subsidies, valued at $24 billion over 10 years, and
importantly, invested the savings in renewable energy and deficit
reduction.
Unfortunately,
Republicans in the Senate voted to prevent passage of the Repeal Big
Oil Subsidies Act during the 112th Congress. I am disappointed by this
setback, but will continue working to pass legislation repealing
subsidies for big oil and boosting investment in renewable energy.
Promoting
renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies is good policy
aligned with Missouri values. By continuing to develop these areas, we
can increase our nation's energy independence, create new jobs, and
reduce our impact on the environment. I remain committed to helping
these technologies become commercially viable and bringing Missouri
commonsense solutions to Washington.
