As you know, our nation is faced with a growing global demand for energy, a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, high energy prices, and environmental concerns regarding energy use.  Washington state families are struggling with energy costs in these tough economic times, and we all want a more diversified national energy policy that increases our national security by cutting our demand for foreign oil.

The Pacific Northwest has much to lose from climate change, including increasingly severe storms and rising sea levels.  Climate change will negatively impact forests, coastal and salmon habitats, and economically important farmland.  These resources define Washington state’s quality of life and help sustain the region’s economic competitiveness.  I believe American innovation will lead to real solutions to these issues, and will be an economic engine that creates millions of clean technology jobs.  Congress must adopt a comprehensive policy that promotes research and development to keep America at the cutting edge of the clean technology economy.

As you may know, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, on June 26, 2009.  There are several energy and climate change proposals under consideration by the Senate.  Senator Bingaman (D-NM) has an energy only bill.  Senator Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a “cap and dividend” bill.  Most recently, Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Lieberman (I-CT) have unveiled a draft comprehensive climate and energy proposal that prices carbon.  I am working with my colleagues to continue to push for a comprehensive climate change and clean energy bill.

Throughout my tenure in the United States Senate, I have supported energy and climate policies that benefit consumers, encourage diversification of our nation’s energy sources and protect our fragile environment. As a member of both the Senate Budget and Appropriation Committees, I have fought for increased funding for important alternative energy research and development programs in Washington State and across the nation. In order to encourage private sector development of new forms of energy technology, I have consistently supported higher fuel economy standards for vehicles and federal tax incentives to help spur investment in wind, solar, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. I believe it is vital that Congress works to increase energy independence without sacrificing environmental protections or hurting the economy or consumers.

Energy use and climate change are two of the most critical issues facing our nation. Please be assured I will keep your views in mind as related legislation comes before the Senate for consideration. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. Thank you again for writing, and please keep in touch.

I hope all is well in Seattle.
Sincerely,

Patty Murray
United States Senator