State of Mississippi Archives: on Energy & Oil


Bill Waller: Gas tax to sustainably fund roads & bridges

Mississippi's growing infrastructure problems were a recurring point during the debate with both candidates agreeing that something needs to be done.

"Mississippi's roads and bridges are in critical need of improvement," said Waller. "We can't stick our head in the sand and hope these problems will go away. We've got to address this issue in a long-term, sustainable way that protects taxpayers and generates adequate funds so we can take care of our crumbling roads and bridges."

Both candidates said that something along the lines of a gas tax would be something they would consider as a way to fight the road and bridge issues Mississippi is dealing with.

"We have got to get away from a personal income tax," said Foster. "The people that are driving through as tourists [should] pitch in to maintain the infrastructure that they are using."

Source: NewsMS.FM on 2019 Mississippi gubernatorial race Mar 26, 2019

Chris McDaniel: No subsidies for wind and solar

Question topic: Governments should pay to develop wind and solar energy solutions when these are not economically feasible.

McDaniel: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Mississippi Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Cindy Hyde-Smith: Voted to repeal the Clean Power Plan

Q: Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat?

Cindy Hyde-Smith: No. Voted to repeal the Clean Power Plan, which established carbon dioxide emission guidelines for existing power plants.

Mike Espy: Yes. "It's beyond time we get serious about tackling climate change and preventing the worst possible effects of the climate crisis."

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Mississippi Senate race Oct 10, 2020

David Baria: Develop renewables; regulate greenhouse gases

Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

A: Yes.

Source: VoteSmart Mississippi 2018 Political Courage Test Jul 4, 2018

David Baria: Limit greenhouse gases; support renewable energy

Q: Climate Change: Consider climate change a serious crisis?

David Baria (D): Yes. Has long supported state commission to address it.

Roger Wicker (R): No. Human cause "isn't settled." In 2014, cast the only Senate vote against saying climate change was real.

Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

David Baria (D): Yes to limiting greenhouse gases. One of top priorities is protecting the environment.

Roger Wicker (R): No on Obama greenhouse gas limits as assault on coal. Urged withdrawing from Paris Climate Accord, saying does no good & will harm US economy.

Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

David Baria (D): Yes. Introduced bill giving tax credits for renewable energy & energy efficiency investments.

Roger Wicker (R): Has voted against tax credits for renewables. Supports all-of-the-above plan emphasizing liquified coal as a renewable approach.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Jensen Bohren: Total shift to green energy sources and transportation

I also believe that encouraging green energy sources, green transportation, and green business practices will greatly benefit our economy in the long run. In addition to shifting to green energy production, our utility providers should be encouraged to become co-ops instead of companies. Sharing in the benefits of your own energy production or conservation should be encouraged and will prevent price gouging in utility bills. This will also set the foundations of a solar-powered grid.
Source: 2018 Mississippi Senate campaign website vote4jensen.com Jan 1, 2018

Jim Hood: Consumer guide on solar power panels and tax breaks

Hood is helping Mississippians considering using solar power learn the costs & benefits of choosing the alternative power source. Hood released a consumer's guide to solar power Wednesday that explains both the tax breaks and true costs of installing solar panels, as well as how not to be scammed. Hood said Mississippians should consider the investment. "We encourage that--it's good for the environment, it's good for people to help re-generate electricity, and it's good for the economy," he said.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2019 Mississippi gubernatorial race May 4, 2017

Mike Espy: Must get serious about tackling climate change

Q: Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat?

Mike Espy: Yes. "It's beyond time we get serious about tackling climate change and preventing the worst possible effects of the climate crisis."

Cindy Hyde-Smith: No. Voted to repeal the Clean Power Plan, which established carbon dioxide emission guidelines for existing power plants.

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Mississippi Senate race Oct 10, 2020

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

Roger Wicker: Human cause of climate change isn't settled

Q: Climate Change: Consider climate change a serious crisis?

David Baria (D): Yes. Has long supported state commission to address it.

Roger Wicker (R): No. Human cause "isn't settled." In 2014, cast the only Senate vote against saying climate change was real.

Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

David Baria (D): Yes to limiting greenhouse gases. One of top priorities is protecting the environment.

Roger Wicker (R): No on Obama greenhouse gas limits as assault on coal. Urged withdrawing from Paris Climate Accord, saying does no good & will harm US economy.

Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

David Baria (D): Yes. Introduced bill giving tax credits for renewable energy & energy efficiency investments.

Roger Wicker (R): Has voted against tax credits for renewables. Supports all-of-the-above plan emphasizing liquified coal as a renewable approach.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Tate Reeves: Developing rural areas could provide viable energy resources

Q: Our readership is primarily rural. What opportunities do you see in the rural areas of Mississippi?

A: Mississippi is a rural state, and our rural areas will always be important to our future. I see real opportunities for growth through promoting tourist attractions, supporting our agriculture industry, developing energy resources and strengthening our workforce through partnerships with community colleges and universities.

Source: Today In Mississippi on 2019 Mississippi Gubernatorial race Mar 11, 2018

Vicki Slater: Develop energy, but balance it with environmental concerns

Q: There's been a lot of talk of energy--offshore exploration, natural gas--what do you think about energy development as part of the state's overall economic growth picture?

A: I do support the development of energy as part of Mississippi's economic picture. There are other factors playing on the production of oil such as the low cost of oil right now. Some companies are taking a wait-and-see attitude or can't afford, at the rate oil is selling, to produce. Energy is definitely part of the economic picture in Mississippi, and I think that has to be explored. At the same time, you've got to balance it with environmental concerns when it comes to fracking and things like that.

Source: Jackson Free Press on 2015 Mississippi Gubernatorial race Jul 22, 2015

Brandon Presley: Incentivize solar energy in schools and residential areas

After several top officials criticized a program designed to incentivize the growth of solar energy in schools and residential areas, the Mississippi Public Service Commission met to reaffirm its support. Presley, a supporter of the program, spoke out after the vote. "I find it so strange that people that would support a 45% rate increase for a failed clean coal plant now want to mischaracterize what we're trying to do," he said.
Source: Mississippi Free Press on 2023 Mississippi Governor race Oct 4, 2022

Ty Pinkins: Invest in sustainable, resilient infrastructure for energy

As your next Senator, Ty will focus on three things:
  1. Investing in sustainable, resilient infrastructure to meet the energy demands and preparing an energy structure that our kids and grandkids can depend on.
  2. Encouraging our farmers to adopt climate-friendly sustainable agriculture practices. Practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon and nutrients in plants.
  3. Supporting economic policies that encourage other countries to get on board and reduce emissions.
Source: 2024 Mississippi Senate campaign website TyPinkins.com Jun 26, 2024

Dan Eubanks: Energy Independence video on campaign website

Videos on campaign website:
Source: 2024 Mississippi Senate campaign web Eubanks4Mississippi.com Aug 8, 2024

Dan Eubanks: Climate change isn't urgent; go nuclear

Q: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.

A: Disagree

Q: What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

A: Currently available to us today, Nuclear energy is the most reliable.

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Mississippi Senate race Mar 12, 2024

Tate Reeves: We don't need ideology and climate-cult death-wish politics

It will take all forms of energy and every corner of our economy. Electricity derived from nuclear power, our sun, our winds, and that beautiful, life-giving technology: natural gas. We need transformative solutions, and a sprint to escalate what we already know works. We don't need ideology and climate-cult death-wish politics. We need abundant, affordable energy that feeds ambition and wealth for our citizens.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature Jan 29, 2025

Ty Pinkins: The next thing I think is coming is hydro power

And there's a place on the Mississippi River called Fiddler's Bend. And according to the Corps of Engineers, right there in Vicksburg, right at Fiddler's Bend is the deepest and fastest-flowing point in that 3,300 mile-long Mississippi River. Why is that important? Because the next thing I think is coming is hydro power. I think that's the next industry and the prime place to implement that is on the Mississippi River at Fiddler's Bend.
Source: Mississippi Free Press on 2026 Mississippi Senate race Oct 23, 2024

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
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Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

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Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
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S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026