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Developing Sustainable Energy Policy
I
believe that we need to work toward energy
conservation and developing renewable energy
alternatives. Our country needs to adopt a
comprehensive energy strategy that addresses the
challenges of the 21st century and does
not simply rely on energy sources of the past. I
have been disappointed with the energy bills that
have come before Congress over the last several
years. Not only do they contain major subsidies and
environmental exemptions for the oil and gas
industry but they would do little to promote new and
sustainable energy sources.
Promoting Renewable Energy -- I will continue to
fight for funding of clean and renewable energy
technologies in order to reduce our Nation’s
dependence on fossil fuels. Vermonters are working
to meet this goal at home and across the country.
For years, I have supported biomass projects in
Vermont, including funding for the McNeil
biomass-gasification pilot project in Burlington
that turns woodchips into a multi-use liquid fuel.
I also have secured over $1 million for the Biomass
Energy Resource Center in Montpelier. Although
where to site new wind turbines in Vermont
 should
be carefully examined and decided at the local
level, I believe that there is a role for wind
energy in Vermont and the Nation’s future. Vermont
companies are developing wind technology that is
being deployed all over the world. I support wind
energy tax incentives as a core piece of any energy
legislation Congress passes this year. I also
pushed for a new energy program at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture that will help farmers and
rural communities adopt renewable energy sources,
including biomass and wind.
Helping Vermonters Reduce Their Energy Bills --
While in the United
States Senate, I have always championed the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
and the Weatherization program to help Vermonters
lower their monthly energy bills. The LIHEAP
program brings over $1 million a year to Vermont to
help low income families keep their homes warm. The
Weatherization program, supported by state and
federal funds, has helped weatherize over 13,700
Vermont homes. If you are in need of energy
assistance please contact the
Office of Home Heating Fuel Assistance or
the
Vermont Weatherization Program.
For
more information, please visit:
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