Sam Brownback on Environment

Sam Brownback believes that we must reduce our oil consumption to stave off a potential energy crisis. He wants to increase domestic production of oil (including drilling in ANWR) and renewable fuels. His voting record in the Senate includes votes against pollution controls and for increased logging.

Energy independence:

Brownback believes America is on the verge of an energy crisis as a result of years of neglect and short-sighted domestic policies. Since our nation produces 39% less oil today than we did in 1970, our supply of energy has not kept pace with our demand, Brownback argues. This leaves us dependent on foreign suppliers, who often do not have America’s best interests at heart. This Congress, Brownback co-sponsored the Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy (DRIVE) Act. The bill aims to reduce our oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels per day in ten years by taking an innovative, market-based approach that relies on advanced technology and an expansion of renewable fuels.

In addition, Brownback believes the U.S. must produce more domestic oil and natural gas and has consistently voted in favor of oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Pollution controls:

In 2005 Brownback voted against including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. This was a joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 15, 2005, relating to the removal of coal- and oil-fired electric generating units from the list of major sources of hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Directly from the candidate:

Due to years of neglect and short-sighted domestic policies, America is on the verge of an energy crisis. Our supply of energy has not kept pace with our demand. Today our nation produces 39% less oil than we did in 1970. This leaves us dependent on foreign suppliers, who often do not have America’s best interests at heart. This Congress, I co-sponsored the Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy (DRIVE) Act. This bill aims to reduce our oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels per day in ten years by taking an innovative, market-based approach that relies on advanced technology and an expansion of renewable fuels. I will continue to fight for energy independence.