Mike Rounds on Energy & Oil Republican SD Governor

Tax energy exploration on federal land instead of gas tax

"I know any tax increases are politically unpopular, but we absolutely must rebuild our nation's highways, and we cannot add any more to the national debt," Pressler said in a statement.

Two other candidates didn't rule out an increase in the gas tax, but said other solutions need to be tried first. "Until we exhaust every other option, I wouldn't consider a gas tax increase--especially with this administration in control of the money," Republican Mike Rounds said in a statement. Rounds said he would prefer to look at "spending reforms, alternative revenue options such as revenue from energy exploration on federal lands" or "reforms that provide greater flexibility to the states and local contractors."

Democrat Rick Weiland said he wouldn't "ask any South Dakotan to pay more taxes on gasoline."

Incentives for more wind and coal-fired power

This was Governor Mike Rounds' pledge when he took office in January 2003. His goals are clear. The results are real. Over the last three years, South Dakotans HAVE accomplished great things.together:
• Provided incentives that have resulted in more wind and coal-fired power;
• Led efforts for better Missouri River management;
• Provided incentives to help increase ethanol production by 300 million gallons a year.

Create coalition to open markets to ethanol

Stop harmful EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.

We feel compelled to guard against a regulatory approach that would increase the cost of electricity and gasoline prices, manufactured products, and ultimately harm the competitiveness of the US economy. As governors, we strongly urge Congress to stop harmful EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that could damage those vital interests. We ask that Congress continue its work to pass comprehensive legislation that balances the role of conservation and climate security with the production of abundant and affordable American energy. The EPA has initiated efforts to impose greenhouse gas regulations that could be harmful to our economies at an especially critical time. As Governors, we are gravely concerned about such regulation.

EPA is not equipped to consider the very real potential for economic harm when regulating emissions. Without that consideration, regulation will place heavy administrative burdens on state environmental quality agencies, will be costly to consumers, and could be devastating to the economy and jobs.

We believe that EPA should offer input regarding complex energy and environmental policy initiatives, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but feel that these policies are best developed by elected representatives at the state and national level, not by a single federal agency. There is no question that broad bipartisan support exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while taking into consideration the difficult fiscal situation that our states and the nation face.

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.`