"We are long over-due for a national energy policy that reduces our reliance on foreign oil and encourages the development and use of alternative energy. It is time to focus our energy policy on the goal of energy independence."

Peter Welch believes it is both a moral imperative and a practical necessity that Vermont and our nation reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by improving our energy efficiency and making an aggressive transition to renewable energy sources. He understands that we can reduce the energy costs for families and business and better protect our environment if we focus our policies on encouraging efficiency and alternative forms of energy.

Unfortunately, the Bush Administration and the Republicans in Congress are putting the interests of America behind special interests like big oil and gas. Peter opposed Congress,s $14.5 billion energy bill, which gave taxpayer subsidies to traditional energy industries already reaping record profits. The bill also failed to sufficiently fund the development of new renewable energy sources or increase mileage standards.

In addition, the Bush Administration, along with the Republican leadership in Congress, has worked tirelessly to open up some of our most pristine wildlife reserves and protected land for drilling oil. The Republican leadership continues to pursue this close-minded search for more oil at the expense of our environment, despite widespread public opposition and with complete disregard for clean alternative sources.

As a leader in the Senate, Peter has aggressively pushed to improve our energy efficiency and use of alternative energy. In 2005, Peter successfully advocated for financing for the state,s Clean Energy Fund to support alternative energy projects and led in the passage of an innovative renewable portfolio standards bill to increase Vermont,s use of renewable sources and local energy generation.

Peter believes our goal should be dramatic improvements in energy self-sufficiency and independence by 2020. As Vermont,s representative in Congress, Peter will fight to: use federal energy funds for the development of innovative renewable technology; improve investments in energy efficiency measures; and significantly increase the fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks.

Statements addressing Vermont's energy needs:

Read Senator Welch,s proposal for a temporary windfall profits tax to fully fund the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Read Peter's comments on the deplorable cuts to LIHEAP funding.