We must take action now to address climate change and protect the health of our planet. I am helping make Oregon the national leader in clean, renewable energy, and we are succeeding—Oregon has the highest proportion of clean energy jobs in the country, according to a recent study by the Pew Charitable Trust.

I am committed to continuing to grow our clean energy economy and creating local high-wage, private-sector jobs. I have helped establish tax breaks for companies that manufacture solar panels and grants so that more people can get trained to install them. I wrote legislation that puts fuel cells made in Oregon on equal footing with other energy sources, which will help local businesses grow and hire more employees. I am also fighting for tax breaks so that more families and businesses can buy solar panels. These efforts will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create more good-paying clean energy jobs in Oregon.

As we increase our use of renewable energy, we must also make sure that our current energy sources are as safe and reliable as possible. I am outraged at the irresponsible behavior that led to the recent massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I have called on the Obama administration to take immediate action to prevent future disasters on offshore drilling platforms and make sure that no taxpayer dollars are used to bail out BP. I have also supported legislation that would create a permanent ban on new offshore oil and natural gas drilling along the West Coast to protect our unique coastline. 

As your congressman, I have:

• Passed legislation to promote clean, renewable energy that will help the United States remain at the forefront of innovation and energy independence.
• Passed legislation to cut pollution.
• Voted for legislation to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil.
• Voted for legislation to increase energy efficiency.
• Championed efforts to protect the Columbia River Gorge, our nation's first National Scenic Area, from inappropriate development.
• Fought to protect Oregon's forests by preventing logging in roadless areas.
• Fought attempts to roll back environmental laws that protect the safety of our drinking water and the quality of the air we breathe.
• Fought to ensure that polluters, not taxpayers, pay to clean up their messes.