|
|
Jim Risch on Energy & OilRepublican Challenger; former Governor |
A: Yes.
Q: Would you vote to oppose removing the designation of Yucca Mountain as the site for the temporary storage of nuclear waste?
A: Yes. Yucca Mtn is the proper site for this material.
A: Yes.
Q: Would you vote to oppose restrictions that would limit access to and exploration of oil shale in the western United States?
A: Yes.
Q: Would you vote to allow environmentally responsible exploration and production in the portion of Alaska called ANWR, which is estimated to hold 10 billion barrels of oil?
A: Yes.
A: Yes. Based on scientific study, yes.
Q: Would you vote for a provision in climate change legislation requiring our international competitors, such as India and China, to adopt similar restrictions prior to the U.S. legislation being fully implemented?
A: Yes.
LaRocco responded, "We could create 14,000 new jobs in Idaho just by embracing new types of energy."
Rammell added, "I'm so sick & tired of global warming. If we continue to support this lie that global warming is going to destroy this world, we're going to destroy our economy."
A: As Governor I was one of the first in the nation to sign onto the 25x25 policy to reduce fossil fuel use 25% over 25 years. Congress is already in the process of attempting to reduce CO2 gasses. My greatest concern is how to most effectively reduce CO2 production in a manner sensitive to the economic risks and reaction that will impact the quality of life of the citizens as well.
A: We must develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the energy supply shortages in both the short and long term. That plan must address all areas of energy, not just gasoline and diesel fuels. The US imports about 60% of its oil, yet we have declined to tap potential oil and gas fields within our own borders. In the short term we must increase the supply and not depend so heavily on foreign government-supplied oil. In the long-term, we must invest in clean coal technology, nuclear energy, and alternative forms of energy. Energy efficiency must also play a major role in an energy plan. This will not happen overnight, but the longer we put off action, the longer Idahoans will suffer under shortsighted policies.
A: I believe we need a comprehensive, long term energy policy. A policy that that includes nuclear, clean coal, domestic oil, solar, wind and other forms of "alternative" energy.
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."
