2013 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Energy & Oil


Tom Corbett: Help three refineries survive by owners & unions cooperating

In the southeast, three refineries survived almost certain closure when their owners, and most of the industry, had given up on them. But we didn't give up. Working in a true bipartisan effort that is all too rare today, I joined with elected leaders, with business leaders and with union leaders to find new owners and a new future for those refineries.

We were able to show new investors the skill, work ethic and limitless potential of the Pennsylvania worker. And we were able to share with those new investors the vision of Pennsylvania's energy future as a world leader. Today, those refineries still employ thousands and support thousands of more jobs, from the truckers who drive in and out with deliveries, to the lunch counters and small shops that will continue to thrive in the shadow of those plants.

Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania Legislature Feb 5, 2013

Mary Fallin: 20% reduction in energy use among state agencies by 2020

Significant waste reduction can be pursued through energy efficiency. Two years ago I introduced the state's first comprehensive energy plan--a plan to both support the production of Oklahoma energy while also laying the groundwork for energy efficiency initiatives in state government.

As part of that plan, we passed legislation requiring a 20 percent reduction in energy use among state agencies by 2020. I'm proud to report that we are on track to meet that goal, and to achieve a savings of over $300 million over the next eight years.

We're also working to convert the state's automobile fleets from traditional gasoline powered vehicles to compressed natural gas vehicles (CNG). Using CNG cars and trucks will save taxpayers millions of dollars in fuel costs, support energy jobs, grow our state's revenue, and solidify Oklahoma's position as the national leader in CNG fueling stations per capita.

Source: 2013 State of the State to Oklahoma Legislature Feb 4, 2013

Jerry Brown: CO2 emissions could warm planet by 7 degrees

When we think about California's future, no long term liability presents as great a danger to our wellbeing as the buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. According to the latest report from the World Bank, carbon dioxide emissions are the highest in 15 million years. At today's emissions rate, the planet could warm by more than 7 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century, an event unknown in human experience. California is extremely vulnerable because of our Mediterranean climate, long coastline and reliance on snowpack for so much of our water supply.

Tipping points can be reached before we even know we have passed them. This is a different kind of challenge than we ever faced. It requires acting now even though the worst consequences are perhaps decades in the future.

Again California is leading the way. We are reducing emissions as required by AB 32 and we will meet our goal of getting carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

Source: 2013 State of the State address to California Legislature Jan 24, 2013

Phil Bryant: Support energy development and investment

We should also look to our energy sector for growth and job opportunities. Mississippi is a leader in many energy related policies and industry practices. By supporting energy development and investment, we can bring more jobs to our residents. As chair of the Southern States Energy Board, I will work hard to make sure Mississippi is positioned as a leader in the energy economy.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature Jan 22, 2013

Jack Markell: Reliability and cost of energy is key

For manufacturers and other businesses, we know the reliability and cost of energy is key. We need to expand our energy portfolio, reduce costs and improve air quality.

First, we import too much of our electricity from dirty and expensive sources. Over the last four years, we have reduced emissions more than any other state, but we need more local generation. That is why we support numerous utility-scale clean and efficient natural gas plants and cost-effective clean energy projects--including numerous solar, biogas and fuel cell projects.

Second, we need to expand natural gas infrastructure across our state. Too many in Delaware are paying too much for energy because they are too far from a pipeline to bring them affordable natural gas.

Third, the cheapest energy remains the energy we don't use. We have made progress on improving energy efficiency, but we can do more to help save money by making efficiency Delaware's "first fuel."

Source: 2013 Del. State of the State speech Jan 17, 2013

Jay Inslee: I cannot consciously accept the dangers of climate change

There is no challenge greater for Washington, with more opportunity for job growth and more suited to our particular brand of genius and ingenuity, than leading the world's clean energy economy. It is clear to me that we are the right state, at the right time, with the right people. It's also clear to me that we face grave and immediate danger if we fail to act. Nine of 10 of the hottest years on record happened in the past decade.

As a parent and a grandparent, I cannot consciously accept the dangers of climate change for my family or yours. As a Governor, I can't afford to look the other way or point fingers or deny these realities, and I cannot allow our state to miss the moment we are destined for. On climate change, we have settled the scientific controversy. What remains is how we respond to the challenge. Now I know Washington can't solve this global problem alone, but we must embrace our role as first responders as our children's health is in clear and immediate danger.

Source: 2013 Wash. State of the State Address Jan 16, 2013

Nikki Haley: Not now, not ever, support raising the gas tax

I will not--not now, not ever--support raising the gas tax. The answer to our infrastructure problems is not to tax our people more, it's to spend their money smarter. Why would we raise the gas tax to improve infrastructure when all the gas tax dollars we currently collect don't go to improving our infrastructure?

Millions of dollars each year in gas tax revenue are being diverted away from our bridges and our highways. Let's invest more of the money we already have into this vital area.

Source: 2013 State of the State address to S. C. Legislature Jan 16, 2013

Sean Parnell: Reform tax proposals to foster new oil production

As we debate tax reforms, we will judge any proposal based on four questions:If you pass legislation that answers these four questions, you won't have to ask for my answer, because you will get my signature.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to 28th Alaska Legislature Jan 16, 2013

John Hickenlooper: Colorado Energy Office: efficiency and renewables

Colorado Energy Office: efficiency and renewables Many scientists believe that our severe drought, the bark beetle epidemic and the terrible fire season are further evidence of climate change. While no state can address the issue in isolation, reducing pollutants and promoting sustainable development,
Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address Jan 10, 2013

John Hickenlooper: Innovative drilling technology for abundant natural gas

Innovative drilling technology for abundant natural gas Colorado's economic welfare depends on how effective we are in developing all of our resources. Our physical welfare requires we protect public health and safety as we develop these resources. We can reduce carbon emissions, create good-paying jobs Innovative drilling technology for abundant natural gas communities to create agreements and oversee local inspections. What doesn't work is a patchwork of rules and regulations.

Because of innovations in drilling technology, cheaper, abundant natural gas is helping to make America energy secure for the

Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address Jan 10, 2013

Andrew Cuomo: New York Greenbank: $1 billion to spur the clean economy

The economy of tomorrow is the clean tech economy. We all know it, it's a foot race--whatever state, whatever region gets there first wins the prize, and we want it to be New York. We want to create the New York Greenbank, which is a $1 billion bank to leverage public dollars with private sector matched money to spur the clean economy. We want to extend the New York's sun solar jobs program at $150 million annually for 10 years to increase solar panel installations for home and business. It's good for the environment and it's good for the economy. We want to create the Charge New York program. This is the future, my friends, and we want to invest in an electric car network to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, installing a statewide network of charging stations and have New York be one of the forerunners in this race all across the country.
Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to NY Legislature Jan 9, 2013

Andrew Cuomo: Lower carbon emissions via market-based cap-and-trade system

Governor Cuomo proposes to create a $1 billion NY Green Bank to leverage public dollars with a private-sector match to spur the clean economy. A NY Green Bank offers a cost-effective market mechanism to capitalize on this opportunity, unleashing green technologies and the many benefits that will come with them. The NY Green Bank staff would also serve a coordinating role to enhance the collective strength of all State clean energy programs, including those outside their immediate purview.

Our state has a track record of being at the forefront of environmental and energy policy innovations. Notable among them is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which lowers carbon emissions through the use of a market-based cap-and-trade system. The NY Green Bank is another forward-looking way for our state to lead on energy policy and improve our residents' economic prospects and quality of life.

Source: NY Rising 2013 State of the State booklet Jan 9, 2013

Bob McDonnell: Replace gas tax with sales and use tax

Replace gas tax with sales and use tax Our plan will also eliminate Virginia's 17.5 cents per gallon tax on gasoline and replace it with a 0.8% increase in the sales and use tax- that will not tax gasoline. We will be the first state in the nation to eliminate the gas tax, which is projected Replace gas tax with sales and use tax We will maintain the tax on diesel fuel, 68% of which is consumed by out of state truckers. Trucks comprise 4.2% of the miles traveled, but cause nearly 80% of the maintenance needs.
Source: 2013 Virginia State of the State address Jan 9, 2013

Dan Malloy: Leverage private capital to deliver renewable energy

Leverage private capital to deliver renewable energy When it came to energy, our state had been a national leader for years, in the worst possible way. We had the highest electric rates in the continental US--rates that were squeezing the budgets of families and businesses.

We realized that our Leverage private capital to deliver renewable energy renewable energy at a price lower than almost anywhere else in the United States.

Today, we've seen electric rates drop in Connecticut by 12% across the board.

We can't stop now. Our comprehensive energy strategy shows us the path forward.

Source: 2013 Connecticut State of the State address Jan 9, 2013

Dennis Daugaard: Explore our potential for oil development

Another good example of our leaders working together has been in the area of oil and gas. This year I convened two work groups, and I know the Legislature did likewise. The first to explore our potential for oil development, and the second to examine the areas where preparation may be needed in response to development in South Dakota and in North Dakota. At the same time, the Legislature formed an interim committee to study potential legislation to deal with these important issues. Although our oil and gas production may not reach the level of our friends in North Dakota, the work of the Legislature, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and others will put South Dakota in a better position to capitalize on our potential. If we can't pull oil out of our ground, let's help North Dakota do so with services and products in South Dakota.
Source: South Dakota 2013 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2013

Jack Dalrymple: Focus on pipeline and rail capacity for oil & gas

In energy we continue to see our growth targets realized. We have seen amazing growth in crude oil production, increasing from 460,000 barrels per day when I spoke to you two years ago, to 747,000 barrels per day currently. Two years ago pipelines and rail capacity were major barriers to growth in oil and gas production. Since 2010 we have more than doubled our pipeline and rail capacity from less than 500,000 barrels of oil per day to one million barrels. Not only is that good for the industry but it also gets trucks off our roads.

Our production of natural gas has also more than doubled from two years ago. We have encouraged the gathering of natural gas and have also doubled processing capacity since the end of 2010. By 2014 we expect to have capacity to process 1.36 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. We are also promoting the use of natural gas at the well site instead of diesel fuel, and today we are seeing a leveling off of the percentage of natural gas that is being flared.

Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2013

Butch Otter: Get all nuclear waste out of Idaho by 2035

I am as committed as ever to enforcing the terms of our 1995 agreement with the federal government to get all nuclear waste out of Idaho by 2035. But the Yucca Mountain facility in Nevada may never open, leaving fulfillment of the agreement at the mercy of the feds' failure to secure a permanent waste repository. That leaves the matter of preparing for an uncertain future to us.
Source: Idaho 2013 State of the State Address Jan 7, 2013

  • The above quotations are from 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Energy & Oil.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  • Click here for more quotes by Andrew Cuomo on Energy & Oil.
  • Click here for more quotes by Chris Christie on Energy & Oil.
Candidates and political leaders on Energy & Oil:

Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015:
GA:Chambliss(R)
IA:Harkin(D)
MI:Levin(D)
MT:Baucus(D)
NE:Johanns(R)
OK:Coburn(R)
SD:Johnson(D)
WV:Rockefeller(D)

Resigned from 113th House:
AL-1:Jo Bonner(R)
FL-19:Trey Radel(R)
LA-5:Rod Alexander(R)
MA-5:Ed Markey(D)
MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R)
NC-12:Melvin Watt(D)
SC-1:Tim Scott(R)
Retired House to run for Senate or Governor:
AR-4:Tom Cotton(R)
GA-1:Jack Kingston(R)
GA-10:Paul Broun(R)
GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R)
HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D)
IA-1:Bruce Braley(D)
LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R)
ME-2:Mike Michaud(D)
MI-14:Gary Peters(D)
MT-0:Steve Daines(R)
OK-5:James Lankford(R)
PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D)
TX-36:Steve Stockman(R)
WV-2:Shelley Capito(R)
Retired House as of Jan. 2015:
AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R)
AR-2:Tim Griffin(R)
CA-11:George Miller(D)
CA-25:Howard McKeon(R)
CA-33:Henry Waxman(D)
CA-45:John Campbell(R)
IA-3:Tom Latham(R)
MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R)
NC-6:Howard Coble(R)
NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D)
NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R)
NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D)
NY-21:Bill Owens(D)
PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R)
UT-4:Jim Matheson(D)
VA-8:Jim Moran(D)
VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Dec 05, 2018