Congressman Pete King

Energy

We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil, which threatens our economy and our national security. I strongly support offshore oil drilling, drilling in the ANWR section of Alaska, expanded drilling for natural gas in upstate NY through hydraulic fracturing, and the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. In March, I signed a letter to President Obama requesting that offshore permits in the Gulf of Mexico be expedited. In June, several members of the NY delegation and I sent a letter to Governor Cuomo expressing support for the Champlain Hudson Power Express Transmission Project, which will provide cleaner and lower cost sources of energy to New York.

We must also reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens which have prevented us from building a new oil refinery in more than 25 years. We should also increase conservation, encourage nuclear energy in areas of the country that do not have evacuation concerns and pursue alternative forms of energy such as wind, solar, hydropower and bio-fuel.

I have a long standing record of supporting energy tax credits for individuals and businesses investing in alternative and renewable energy, because these energies are vital to moving the United States closer to energy independence. This is why I am a cosponsor of the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act (H.R. 1380), which encourages private investment in natural gas refueling infrastructure, provides incentives for the production and purchasing of natural gas vehicles by proposing a new tax credit for auto manufacturers to produce NGVs, and maximizes existing tax credits. This is a win-win situation that reduces our dependence on foreign oil, helps consumers save money, creates jobs, and provides a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel.