Energy
Overcoming our Nation's energy challenges is one of the most important issues we face. Its of critical importance to our district and to my work in Congress.
Affordable energy is vital to our economy and national security. High energy costs slow job growth, increase the costs to industries and of products, and squeezes household budgets. In rural Pennsylvania, affordable energy is critical for heating and cooling our homes, transportation, and for businesses and industries to remain productive.
For decades we have imported the majority of our energy supplies from foreign nations. As this continues, we have become part of the largest shift of wealth in history, as we send billions of dollars overseas every year. Even more troubling is the fact that a large percentage of this trade deficit has been going to unstable countries which are hostile towards the United States and our ideals.
I believe that we must make energy a priority and take bold action to protect our economy, national security and the environment. While there is not a silver bullet solution that will put us on that track overnight, I will remain committed to providing resources and outreach in the community, while continuing to advocate for:
Increases in Domestic Production of Fossil Fuels: Lands onshore and offshore contain significant amounts of natural gas, petroleum, and coal that can fuel our energy needs for centuries. Approximately 85% of our energy usage comes from fossil fuels, whereas renewables currently comprise about 6%. Even with continued heavy government funding for renewables, fossil fuels will have to play a significant role in our energy use in the coming years. I believe that it is essential that we utilize more of our own domestic supplies of traditional energy sources while we continue to develop alternative sources and a bridge toward the future.
Research in Alternative and Renewable Fuels: Congress has an obligation to assist in bringing renewable sources of fuel to fruition. Alternatives such as wind, solar and hydropower have great potential, but unfortunately they currently only make up a fraction of our overall energy usage. Congress has been doing much to accelerate these sources, and I will support appropriate legislation that will continue to responsibly expand all alternative and renewable forms of energy.
Improvement to Existing Sources: The key to our energy independence rests upon the expansion of nuclear, clean coal, natural gas, and biofuels. The United States has a 250 year supply of coal and I believe that we should do more to increase our clean coal technology. Technological enhancements will only further extend the life span of this resource. We also have an abundance of forest lands that contain vast amounts of wood waste, which can be converted into woody biomass energy sources. Woody biomass has great potential in Pennsylvania and burns cleaner than most other fuels. We must utilize natural gas in the Marcellus shale. Expansion combined with research and development will bring energy costs down for consumers and industries and for the enormous number of products that require natural gas as a feedstock.
Increase Conservation, Weatherization, and Energy Efficiencies: Our energy supplies must be increased, but with any comprehensive energy plan we also must identify new ways of conservation and efficiencies. Higher fuel standards are a good start, coupled with tax credits and technological advancements in efficiency we can encourage consumers and industry to use less energy overall. The industrial sector is the largest consumer of energy and through new technologies and retrofitting existing machinery savings will be substantial. Congress can only do so much to encourage less consumption, but conscious and simple changes in our individual routines can go a long way to save energy. Two of the simplest examples are turning down the thermostat when not home or turning off the lights when not using a room. This has the two-fold effect of saving the consumer money, but also using less energy.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issue of Energy, please contact my Washington, DC office.
I look forward to your feedback.
Thank you.
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More on Energy
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Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative hearing on H.R. 1731 (Rep. Hal Rogers, R-KY), the “Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2017” or “RECLAIM Act.” |
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In November of 2016, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began requesting information from oil and gas producers regarding methane emissions from existing production well and facility sites. Though the surveys were requested by the EPA, costly fines would have been assessed on individual oil and gas operators for non-compliance.
Today, the EPA announced that the survey request is withdrawn. U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson released the following statement:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) today released the following statement in regard to President Donald J. Trump’s executive action to advance two pipeline projects in the United States:
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s H.R. 3881, the Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2015, which reaffirms the rights of mineral owners in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). The measure was approved by a vote of 395 to 3.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, welcomed Pennsylvania State Rep. Marty Causer (PA-67th Legislative District) to Capitol Hill for a committee hearing focused on the importance of the oil and natural gas industry, especially in rural areas.
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) voted in favor of H.R. 3797, the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment (SENSE) Act. The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 231 to 183, addresses U.S. Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) regulations placed on coal refuse-to-energy, or waste coal, power plants across the nation. The majority of those plants, 14 of 19, are located in Pennsylvania.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) today said new power plant emission standards released by the Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) and President Barack Obama would have a devastating effect on the energy industry across Pennsylvania and on local communities. The Clean Power Plan seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. States will be required to meet specific carbon emission reduction standards, based on their individual energy consumption.
WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, the EIA released their energy outlook which predicts that the U.S. will be a net exporter of natural gas by 2017. Leaders of the Congressional Natural Gas Caucus understand the magnitude of this geopolitical transition and the implications for ensuring American energy security through continued natural gas development and investment.