As a former businessman, Bill knows the importance of finding efficient and affordable answers to our energy questions. Providing relief to high gas prices while alternative sources of energy are being developed is important. That is why Bill supports expanded domestic drilling that would increase the amount of oil produced in the United States.

He is a co-sponsor of The National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act, bipartisan legislation that would increase domestic drilling, encourage conservation, and promote America’s energy independence. He voted in favor of the Drill Responsibility in Leased Lands Act, which sought to increase domestic drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and stood up to the oil companies, as a co-sponsor of the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act, demanding they drill on the federal lands they hold rights to or risk losing those leases.

As a scientist, Bill believes in the potential of new technologies and alternative energy options to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Solar power, wind energy, geothermal, and sensible development of biofuels provide clean energy alternatives to oil. Diversifying our energy sources drives down the worldwide demand for oil and reduces the cost of gasoline. Increasing our energy production in these areas also means more of the energy our nation consumes is produced within our own borders, limiting our dependence on foreign sources to meet our energy needs.

Finally, a comprehensive energy policy requires we undertake efforts to reduce our consumption and increase efficiency. We must continue to promote energy conservation through consumer education and encourage automakers to produce more energy efficient vehicles.

Real progress in meeting our nation’s energy demands require elected officials to start discussing solutions with each other and not just reiterate ideological talking points for political gain. Bill Foster is committed to being a sensible voice in Congress for developing independent solutions to our energy needs.