We Need An All-Of-The-Above Solution

Our approach to securing our energy future must include more energy efficiency and conservation; expanded renewable and alternative energy; and domestic energy exploration and production to secure our long-term energy needs. Limiting ourselves to only one of these areas will not provide the necessary relief that Americans need.

We must use an all-of-the-above approach to securing energy independence.

To start, I support increasing domestic production by allowing responsible oil and gas exploration in portions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the outer continental shelf, investing in clean coal resources and technology, expanding the use of nuclear energy, and supporting research into the use of oil shale. All of these resources are part of the answer.

We must also encourage and support the development of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in buildings, homes and appliances. I co-authored a bipartisan renewable energy bill -- signed into law in October 2008 -- that extended critical tax credits that encourage clean energy production using renewable energy resources such as solar, geothermal, wind, biomass and hydropower.

By expanding our domestic energy production and reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources, America also gains the added benefit of improved national security by ending our reliance on energy sources from nations that wish us harm.

Help John Ensign secure energy independence.