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Chris Rothfuss on Energy & Oil
Democratic Challenger
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Cap-and-trade strategy is superior to a carbon tax
Q: What is your position on addressing global climate change--a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, and/or increased fuel-economy standards? A: I support a sensible 'cap and trade' policy that establishes national greenhouse gas emission limits and
projects those limits for at least 30 years to provide a stable marketplace for research, development and commercialization of appropriate technologies. A 'cap and trade' strategy is superior to a carbon tax in that it is globally scalable.
Source: 2008 Senate questionnaire by SEA & 18 science organizations
Sep 9, 2008
We need coal and oil for energy independence
Q: Do you support replacing coal and oil with alternatives?A: Oppose. I support alternatives in the long run, but we cannot achieve sustainable energy independence without coal and oil. It is vital that we find ways to increase our domestic energy
production and efficiency, including expanding coal production for 'coal to liquids', developing renewables and nuclear power, and extending our power grid and energy storage capacity. Instead of our current haphazard approach to energy policy, I believe
we must create a 50 year comprehensive energy road map that targets an end to our dependence on foreign oil within 10 years. We must implement a 'cap and trade' program for CO2 emissions, ensure minimal impact resource development, support carbon
capture and sequestration programs, and encourage development and use of energy efficient technologies to reduce the environmental impacts that occur as a result of our growing energy needs.
Source: Email interview on 2008 Senate race with OnTheIssues.org
Aug 10, 2008
Make Wyoming a leader in energy policy
Energy is very dear to Wyoming, yet the federal government that we are counting on to develop a comprehensive energy policy, steeped in scientific and technical nuances, which will meet our needs for the 21st century. And they haven't done it. We need a
comprehensive solution that leverages all of our resources--coal, oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear--to meet our growing energy demand, eliminate our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce our greenhouse gas and other emissions. As a Chemical Engineer,
I know this can be done, and it can be done in a manner that stimulates our economy, reduces the trade deficit, and benefits US and Wyoming industry, the environment, and our national security. Wyoming is a leader in energy production. But in Washington,
we have been deferential to the will of others. We diligently produce coal, oil, and gas, and let the other states sort out the political details. If you send me to Washington, I will make Wyoming a leader in energy policy--not just energy production.
Source: Campaign website, www.rothfussforsenate.com, "Issues"
Jun 3, 2008
Leverage all resources--coal, oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear
There are zero scientists in the Senate. Zero PhDs. One engineering degree. And 60 lawyers. Energy is very dear to the state of Wyoming, yet this is the group that we are counting on to develop a comprehensive energy policy, steeped in scientific and
technical nuances, which will meet our needs for the 21st century. And they haven't done it. They've had ample time and opportunity, but we are no closer to ending our dependence on foreign oil than we were in the 1970s.
We need a comprehensive solution that leverages all of our resources--coal, oil, gas, wind, solar, nuclear--everything we've got, to meet our growing energy demand, eliminate our dependence on foreign oil, and simultaneously reduce our greenhouse gas
and other emissions. As a Chemical Engineer, I know this can be done, and it can be done in a manner that stimulates our economy, reduces the trade deficit, and benefits U.S. & Wyoming industry, the environment, and our national security.
Source: Statement of Candidacy for United States Senate
Mar 22, 2008
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2008