Tim Kaine on Energy & Oil Democratic Senate Challenger; previously Governor

Cut subsidies to big oil companies

Kaine said he believes in the science he's seen, showing human activity's impact on climate. Kaine said he supported a measure to control carbon, and finding strategies to limit carbon's impact.

Allen attacked Kaine's use of a hybrid energy plant in Wise County in commercials, saying under current EPA regulations that plant couldn't be built today, due to its coal use.

Kaine countered that as long as new energy can be about "cleaner," that it would be good for Virginia and the country. Kaine also recommended cutting subsidies to "big oil companies."

Allow Bush tax cuts for wealthy to expire

We are producing more energy than ever; find alternatives

Major attention on creating green jobs

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, at my direction, has just completed an aggressive marketing plan to promote Virginia's business case for new investments in renewable energy production and energy efficiency projects. And I have created an Interagency Task Force for Energy Project Recruitment that will work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to build Virginia's compelling case for renewable energy-related businesses.

Every institution in Virginia is working on innovative new energy projects--transportation fuel cells at Virginia Tech, energy-efficient buildings at UVA, algae-based biodiesel at ODU, and new energy crops at Virginia State University.

Reduce electricity consumption by 19% by 2025

I have proposed to implement the Climate Change Commission's top recommendation--the reduction of electricity consumption by 19% of current levels by 2025, with appropriate adjustments for population growth.

Nuclear reactors will be key to America's energy future

Orbital, the Virginia-based space company, was awarded a $1.9 billion contract by NASA to launch rockets and satellites into space from Wallops Island, making Virginia one of the centers of the nation's new and innovative space industry.

We can't drill our way out; diversify our portfolio

A: We're not going to drill our way out of the long-term energy crisis facing this nation and the world. And you know, just like your stockbroker or whoever tells you to diversify your portfolio, we ought to diversify our portfolio. We can't keep relying on oil.

Q: As soon as they started talking about drilling the cost of oil went way down.

A: Well, you know, you're going to see oil jump up and down, but I don't think Americans are turning handsprings about gas at $3.50, $3.60 a gallon. I mean, it was $1.45 a gallon when President Bush came into office in 2001. So it's more than doubled. So you're right. We all like the fact that it's dropped a little bit, but we're not going back to the old days. And America needs to find new energy sources.

Key to success is availability of reliable, low-cost power

All Virginians are affected by rising gas prices

Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025.

A resolution that it is the goal of the United States that, not later than January 1, 2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the US should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total energy consumed and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. [Governors also signed letters of endorsement at www.25x25.org]

Rep. SALAZAR: "Our resolution establishes a national goal of producing 25% of America's energy from renewable sources--like solar, wind and biofuels--by 2025. The "25x'25" vision is widely endorsed, bold, and fully attainable. If implemented, it would dramatically improve our energy security, our economy, and our ability to protect the environment.

"I am pleased that more than 20 of my colleagues in the Senate, from both sides of the aisle, are cosponsoring this resolution. In addition, the "25x'25" vision has been endorsed by 22 current and former governors and several State legislatures across the country. The Big Three automobile manufacturers--Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors--are all behind "25x'25" So are many agricultural organizations, environmental groups, scientists, and businesses, ranging from the Natural Resources Defense Council to John Deere.

"These Americans understand that we cannot continue to import 60% of our oil from foreign countries, many of which are hostile to the US, if we aim to be strong and secure in the world. They know that we will have to build a clean energy economy if we are to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is time for Congress to take a more active role in our clean energy future. Establishing a national goal--"25x'25" is the first step."