Political Quotes

“we have heard hours of debate on the Senate energy bill. One of the messages that we've heard repeated in statements on many different energy related subjects is that energy policy is highly influenced by region. Energy policy that works in one region may not work in another, nor do policy decisions necessarily translate from state to state. For example, Florida's unique topographic, climatic, and geological conditions make it impossible to harness certain forms of renewable energy, such as wind and hydropower. Just as it would be difficult for the State of Alaska to rely on solar energy during its dark winter months. For these reasons, I have expressed my concern to the chairman of the Energy Committee, Senator Bingaman, that a broadly applied renewable portfolio standard will not work optimally for all fifty states of the union. While I remain supportive of expanding the use of renewable energy supplies as an important part of our national energy portfolio, I prefer an approach that treats regions and states with deference to their unique circumstances. An RPS standard cannot be rigid, but must be flexible.”