Energy

When history looks back on the contributions of the current generation, the central benchmark of our progress will be how we addressed global warming.  It is a challenge that is intertwined with our national security, our economy, and the health of all Americans. 

Taking on global warming is necessary to protect our planet, but it is also an opportunity for America to revitalize our economy and create new jobs.  Just as our dependence on fossil fuels sends money and jobs out of Oregon and out of the U.S., reducing global warming pollution with energy efficiency and renewable energy creates jobs and saves families and businesses money on their energy bills.  Oregon is already a national leader in wind power generation, energy conservation, and solar technology manufacturing. Our state is therefore uniquely positioned to be a world leader in the development of wave, geothermal, and biomass energy.

Senator Merkley has long been a leader in Oregon on energy independence and global warming issues.  As Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, Merkley led one of the greenest sessions in the nation, spearheading legislation to require the state's largest utilities to get one-quarter of their electricity by 2025 from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Merkley also championed legislation to create a Renewable Fuel Standard and promote investment in renewable energy and fought for the expansion of Oregon's landmark bottle bill, which increases recycling and saves on energy and materials used to manufacture cans and bottles.

Senator Merkley is working to protect our environment and combat global warming as a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee.  The EPW Committee covers environmental protections – including clean air and water, superfund sites and wildlife protection – as well as global warming. 

Energy Efficiency: Cutting Pollution, Saving Money for Oregon Families and Businesses

The fastest and most cost-effective way to reduce our dependence on foreign energy and combat global warming is through conservation and increased energy efficiency.  Senator Merkley fought for increased federal investment in energy efficiency programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which provided $40 billion to help put people to work increasing energy efficiency in homes, schools, and businesses.

Senator Merkley supports an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard requiring utilities to invest in energy efficiency to reduce electricity needs 15 percent by 2020. He also believes we should require better fuel economy for vehicles as we encourage production of hybrid and electric cars.  And he supports policies to provide consumers with more energy-efficiency appliances, encourage builders to make homes and office buildings more energy-efficient, and help manufacturers save money by improving efficiency in industrial processes.

Merkley also supports modernizing the nation’s electricity grid, including the implementation of “smart grid” technology that helps move electricity consumption to non-peak hours and helps consumers identify ways to cut their own energy usage.

Renewable Energy: Home-Grown Energy, Home-Grown Jobs

Senator Merkley supports a national Renewable Electricity Standard, similar to Oregon’s standard, which would require utilities to generate 25 percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2025. He also supports financial incentives to help families and businesses choose to use renewable energy.  In addition, Senator Merkley is working to expand transmission capacity for renewable electricity sources like wind, solar, and biomass, where the best resources are often concentrated away from population centers where the energy is needed. 

A 21st Century Transportation System: Better Options, Less Pollution

Senator Merkley is proud of Oregon’s role as a leader in public transportation and believes all Americans should have better access to transit options, including streetcars, light rail, high-speed rail, and communities where biking and walking are safe and practical options.  Less dependence on driving alone means reduced global warming and reduced dependence on foreign oil.  As a member of the two Senate committees that will be working to overhaul our nation’s primary transportation legislation this year, Senator Merkley is working to ensure that there is adequate federal funding available for transit and highway projects.

In addition, Senator Merkley wants to clean up cars and trucks. He believes American manufacturers can get to the point where all new cars can go their first 40 miles on electricity, and believes sustainable biofuels from the waste wood and tree and plant matter removed from forests to reduce fire dangers should be a viable replacement for gasoline.

A Mandatory Cap on Global Warming Pollution

One of Senator Merkley’s top priorities as a member of the Senate EPW Committee is working to pass legislation that will reduce global warming pollution. Merkley is working with his colleagues to develop legislation that places a cap on global warming emissions and develops a cost effective program to help industry and consumers meet that cap.  A cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide successfully reduced acid rain and it can do the same for curbing carbon emissions, while promoting cost-savings and innovation.