Energy

Senator Sununu has advocated a national energy policy that protects the environment, increases domestic production, encourages alternative and renewable energy development, and limits government interference in the energy marketplace. Time and again, Senator Sununu has stood up for New Hampshire values, fiscal discipline, and sound and realistic policy, without regard to political party. Moreover, Senator Sununu supports immediate relief to ease energy prices, and, in true New Hampshire spirit, John continues to fight to increase Low-Income Heating Assistance Program funding for our state.

Standing up for New Hampshire and Fiscal Discipline – In 2003, John led the filibuster against the administration-backed Energy Bill – a bill that would have blocked New Hampshire’s attempts to force major oil companies to stop using and clean up the gasoline additive, MTBE, which research has shown to contaminate New Hampshire drinking water and may cause cancer. Once again, in 2005, John opposed the administration-backed Energy Bill that included billions of dollars in excessive federal spending, subsidized specific, mature industries, and sought to manipulate markets and the overall economy. The federal government should not be in the business of choosing winners and losers – that should be decided in the marketplace.

Renewable Energy Sources – John is a lead cosponsor of the Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act – bipartisan legislation that will produce savings for homeowners and businesses, and foster the growth of the renewables industry in New Hampshire and across the nation. The bill extends a number of incentives to encourage the generation of renewable electricity, purchase of solar property, construction of energy-efficient homes or business, and production of energy-saving appliances. John also worked to include a tax credit for the purchase of energy-efficient wood pellet stoves, which makes good sense for New Hampshire, where our wood and forestry industries provide jobs across the state.

Supporting a Sensible Energy Policy – John supported the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 (2007 Energy Bill). This important piece of legislation funds research and development programs, increases fuel economy standards, and promotes renewable energy development. During consideration, John joined in sponsoring an amendment to raise average fuel economy standards in automobiles to 35 miles per gallon nationwide by 2020. This long overdue bill included the most significant improvements in fuel economy standards in decades, while encouraging investment in renewable energy technology, and setting new standards for energy conservation.

Reducing Fuel Prices and Increasing Domestic Fuel Exploration – With oil and gas prices at record highs, John voted to temporarily halt deposits of domestic crude oil into the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and supported strengthening the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) staffing and oversight authority in the energy markets. While stopping these deposits and strengthening the CFTC may contribute to short-term relief at the pump by increasing global supply, John continues to push for a long-term solution that removes the ban on new offshore drilling, gives states a voice in opening up our nation’s abundant offshore oil reservoirs, reduces the burdensome legal and administrative process for refinery construction, and encourages the development of advanced alternative energy, batteries, and plug-in electric cars.

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