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Marco Rubio on Energy & Oil
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Our government can't control the weather
There are valid reasons to be concerned about the President's plan to grow our government. But any time anyone opposes the President's agenda, he and his allies usually respond by falsely attacking their motives.
When we point out that no matter how many job-killing laws we pass, our government can't control the weather--he accuses us of wanting dirty water and dirty air.
When we suggest we strengthen our safety net programs by giving states more flexibility to manage them--he accuses us of wanting to leave the elderly and disabled to fend for themselves.
And tonight, he even criticized us for refusing to raise taxes to delay military cuts--cuts that were his idea in the first place. But his favorite attack of all is that those who don't agree with him--they only care about rich people.
Source: GOP Response to 2013 State of the Union Address
, Feb 12, 2013
Grow our energy industry, not "clean energy" like Solyndra
One of the best ways to encourage growth is through our energy industry. Of course solar and wind energy should be a part of our energy portfolio. But God also blessed America with abundant coal, oil and natural gas.
Instead of wasting more taxpayer money on so-called "clean energy" companies like Solyndra, let's open up more federal lands for safe and responsible exploration.
And let's reform our energy regulations so that they're reasonable and based on common sense.
If we can grow our energy industry, it will make us energy independent, it will create middle class jobs and it will help bring manufacturing back from places like China.
Source: GOP Response to 2013 State of the Union Address
, Feb 12, 2013
I dislike cap-&-trade, but it is inevitable as national law
The previous summer the governor had issued a series of executive orders instituting global warming cap-and-trade regulations, which would become law unless the legislature overrode them. We passed a bill that instructed Florida's Dept. of Environmental
Protection to create an outline of cap-and-trade plan for the state. However, the plan couldn't take effect unless the legislature approved it. The governor signed it because he could claim he got a signature initiative passed by the legislature.
The legislature passed it because we knew we could stop it later.[During the Senate primary], Crist falsely claimed I had supported cap and trade. He cited an interview in which I made the assumption that some form of cap and trade would eventually
become national law. I suggested that Florida should prepare for the inevitable by adopting a policy of its own. But I didn't support cap and trade. I wrote an opinion piece denouncing the governor's executive orders shortly after he announced them.
Source: An American Son, by Marco Rubio, p.157-158
, Jun 19, 2012
Cap-and-trade scheme destroys jobs
As a U.S. senator, I would oppose a national energy tax on American consumers, farmers and business owners. At a time when our economy is struggling, a cap-and-trade scheme would further strain family budgets and destroy jobs. Creating jobs in the energy
sectors and becoming more energy efficient requires entrepreneurial innovation, not big government mandates. Instead of higher energy bills and job losses, the American people deserve a comprehensive, job-creating energy policy.
Source: 2010 Senate campaign website, www.marcorubio.com, "Issues"
, Feb 3, 2010
Explore ANWR & outer continental shelf
I support a comprehensive energy plan that encourages nuclear energy, exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and environmentally safe leasing of oil and natural gas fields in the outer continental shelf and on federally owned lands with oil
shale in the West. As senator, I will stand for policies that make us more energy efficient, less reliant on foreign sources of oil, create jobs and ease the burden on family budgets.
Source: 2010 Senate campaign website, www.marcorubio.com, "Issues"
, Feb 3, 2010
Tax incentives for energy-efficient appliances
A Cleaner, Safer, Healthier Florida- Energy-Efficient Buildings Reward Program
- Implement a voluntary statewide incentive program for energy efficiency
- Create an Energy Efficiency Fund to offer loans to public schools, public hospitals,
cities, counties, special districts, and public care institutions
- Provide tax incentives to encourage homeowners and businesses to purchase energy-efficient appliances and systems
- Build energy-efficient buildings
- Environmental "Gold Star"
Recognition
- Create a performance-based permitting program that rewards top environmental performers
- Promote the Development of Alternative Energy Sources
- Foster the development and use of alternative energy sources and ethanol production
-
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Reward Program
- Offer additional incentives for clean alternative-fueled vehicles and hybrid passenger vehicles
- Convert state government vehicles into a high fuel efficiency fleet
Source: 100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future by Marco Rubio
, Nov 1, 2006
Loans to public institutions for energy efficiency
The LEED program, run by the US Green Building Council, certifies commercial buildings partly based on their EPA Energy Star rating, but also reviews water efficiency, sustainability of the construction materials, and indoor environmental quality.
Florida has begun a similar program called the Florida Green Building Standard (FGBS).Florida should implement a voluntary statewide incentive program for energy efficiency. Florida should explore incentives for homes that pledge to meet the
FGBS or similar standards. Increasing the energy efficiency of new homes will save homeowners money and will reduce the need for costly new electric generating facilities.
Florida should create an Energy Efficiency
Fund to offer loans to public schools, public hospitals, cities, counties, special districts, and public care institutions. Eligible projects are those with proven energy savings, such as lighting and HVAC efficiency improvements.
Source: 100 Innovative Ideas, by Marco Rubio, p.107-108
, Nov 1, 2006
Florida has obvious advantages in solar energy
Producing less than 1% of the energy it consumes and limited by its geography, Florida is more susceptible to interruptions in energy supply than any other state. The state's reliance on imported petroleum products, in addition to its anticipated growth,
underscores its vulnerability to fluctuations in the market.Solar energy & biofuels appear to be especially promising alternative energy sources for Florida. Florida has obvious advantages in the area of solar energy and is also pursuing the productio
of ethanol. Recent scientific developments and expected future developments could greatly expand the types of feedstock available to produce ethanol at a lower cost than that of either corn or sugar. Thanks to past initiatives, Florida also appears to
have achieved a leadership position in the development of hydrogen power. Clean, safe nuclear energy is another promising option to diversify Florida's energy portfolio. Other promising areas include waste-to-energy conversion and wind and water power.
Source: 100 Innovative Ideas, by Marco Rubio, p.113-115
, Nov 1, 2006
Let hybrid drivers use HOV lanes & discount parking
Problem: Although hybrid vehicles save on gas, Floridians find them prohibitively expensive.Solution: Offer incentives to encourage purchases of hybrid vehicles.
Many states, Florida included, passed legislation to help consumers offset the initial
price of purchasing a hybrid vehicle. And like other states, Florida currently offers hybrid vehicle owners a commuting advantage. Hybrid drivers are allowed to drive in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane at any time, regardless of their vehicle
occupancy.
Florida should offer free and/or discounted parking and free or reduced tolls on Florida's toll roads for high fuel efficiency vehicles. The idea would be fairly easy to implement--hybrid vehicle owners could simply obtain a special E-PASS
allowing hybrid vehicles to pass through tolls at a free or discounted rate. Additionally, Florida should provide tax incentives for all clean alternative-fueled vehicles and hybrid passenger vehicles that get at least 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Source: 100 Innovative Ideas, by Marco Rubio, p.117-119
, Nov 1, 2006
Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases.
Congressional Summary:To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change. The Clean Air Act is amended by adding a section entitled, "No Regulation of Emissions of Greenhouse Gases". In this section, the term 'greenhouse gas' means any of the following:- Water vapor
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
- Sulfur hexafluoride
- Hydrofluorocarbons
- Perfluorocarbons
- Any other substance subject to, or proposed to be subject to regulation to address climate change.
The definition of the term 'air pollutant' does not include a greenhouse gas, except for purposes of addressing concerns other than climate change.Proponent's Argument for voting Yes:
[Sen. McConnell, R-KY]: The White House is trying to impose a backdoor national energy tax through the EPA. It is a strange way to respond to rising gas prices.
But it is perfectly consistent with the current Energy Secretary's previously stated desire to get gas prices in the US up to where they are in Europe.
Opponent's Argument for voting No:
[Sen. Lautenberg, D-NJ]:We hear the message that has been going around: Let's get rid of the EPA's ability to regulate. Who are they to tell us what businesses can do? Thank goodness that in this democratic society in which we live, there are rules and regulations to keep us as a civilized nation. The Supreme Court and scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency agreed that the Clean Air Act is a tool we must use to stop dangerous pollution. This amendment, it is very clear, favors one group--the business community. The Republican tea party politicians say: "Just ignore the Supreme Court. Ignore the scientists. We know better." They want to reward the polluters by crippling EPA's ability to enforce the Clean Air Act.
Status: Failed 50-50 (3/5
Reference: Energy Tax Prevention Act;
Bill Am183 to S.49
; vote number 11-SV054
on Apr 6, 2011
Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by AFP.
Rubio signed the No Climate Tax Pledge
No Climate Tax Pledge: "I pledge to the taxpayers of my state, and to the American people, that I will oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue."
Sponsoring organizations: Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEU); National Taxpayers Union (NTU); Institute for Liberty Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans.
Source: AFP website 10-AFP on Nov 2, 2010
Cap-and-trade has no impact on global temperatures.
Rubio signed the Contract From America
The Contract from America, clause 2. Reject Cap & Trade:
Stop costly new regulations that would increase unemployment, raise consumer prices, and weaken the nation's global competitiveness with virtually no impact on global temperatures.
Source: The Contract From America 10-CFA02 on Jul 8, 2010
Explore proven energy reserves & keep energy prices low.
Rubio signed the Contract From America
The Contract from America, clause 8. Pass an 'All-of-the-Above' Energy Policy:
Authorize the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries and reduce regulatory barriers to all other fo
Source: The Contract From America 10-CFA08 on Jul 8, 2010
Opposes passage of Cap-and-Trade energy legislation.
Rubio opposes the F2A survey question on cap-and-trade
Faith2Action.org is "the nation's largest network of pro-family groups." They provide election resources for each state, including Voter Guides and Congressional Scorecards excerpted here.
The Faith2Action survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: 'Passage of Cap-and-Trade Energy Legislation'
Source: Faith2Action Survey 10-FF-q18 on Sep 19, 2010
Page last updated: Apr 22, 2013
