Tim Kaine on Energy & Oil

Democratic Senate Challenger; previously Governor

Cut subsidies to big oil companies

Allen said that people who use electricity should vote for him, claiming Kaine supports EPA policies that essentially make using coal for electricity not practical for businesses.

Kaine said he believes in the science he's seen, showing human activity's impact on climate. Kaine said he supported a measure to control carbon, and finding strategies to limit carbon's impact.

Allen attacked Kaine's use of a hybrid energy plant in Wise County in commercials, saying under current EPA regulations that plant couldn't be built today, due to its coal use.

Kaine countered that as long as new energy can be about "cleaner," that it would be good for Virginia and the country. Kaine also recommended cutting subsidies to "big oil companies."

Source: WSLS-TV-10 on 2012 Virginia Senate debate , Oct 18, 2012

Allow Bush tax cuts for wealthy to expire

We need to reduce the number of loopholes and giveaways. There is no reason why we should be giving tax subsidies to major oil companies--particularly when they are making record profits. And, the Bush tax cuts, made temporary specifically because of worries about the deficit, should be allowed to expire as planned for those making $500,000 a year or more. Source: 2012 Senate campaign website, www.kaineforva.com , Apr 25, 2012

We are producing more energy than ever; find alternatives

George was a senator? We are producing significantly more natural gas in this country now than when George was a senator. We are exporting more refined oil in this country now than when George was a senator. The notion that we have to unleash everything--hey, it's happening right now, and that's great." Kaine said that the Bush tax cuts should expire for the highest income brackets. "These tax cuts were put in place in 2003--Allen was the deciding vote for them to be put in place," said Kaine. "They were put in place temporarily. And the reason they were made temporary, is because if you made them permanent, they were going to absolutely bust the deficit. And that's exactly what has happened--along with voting for expansions of entitlement programs, voting for wars without figuring out how to fund Source: Eric Kleefeld reporting on 2012 Virginia Senate debate , Dec 7, 2011

We can't drill our way out; diversify our portfolio

Q: National polling has shown that a majority of Americans are in favor now of offshore oil drilling.

A: We're not going to drill our way out of the long-term energy crisis facing this nation and the world. And you know, just like your stockbroker or whoever tells you to diversify your portfolio, we ought to diversify our portfolio. We can't keep relying on oil.

Q: As soon as they started talking about drilling the cost of oil went way down.

A: Well, you know, you're going to see oil jump up and down, but I don't think Americans are turning handsprings about gas at $3.50, $3.60 a gallon. I mean, it was $1.45 a gallon when President Bush came into office in 2001. So it's more than doubled. So you're right. We all like the fact that it's dropped a little bit, but we're not going back to the old days. And America needs to find new energy sources.

Source: News Channel "Fox & Friends" Interview , Aug 12, 2008

All Virginians are affected by rising gas prices

Virginia’s economy depends on the gasoline that fuels our cars to get us to work every morning, take our kids to school, and to keep our businesses going. All Virginians are affected by rising gas prices, particularly low and middle income families, those on fixed-incomes and small business owners. Source: 2005 Gubernatorial campaign website kaine2005.org, “Issues” , Nov 8, 2005

Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025.

Kaine endorsed setting goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025

A resolution that it is the goal of the United States that, not later than January 1, 2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the US should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total energy consumed and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. [Governors also signed letters of endorsement at www.25x25.org]

Rep. SALAZAR: "Our resolution establishes a national goal of producing 25% of America's energy from renewable sources--like solar, wind and biofuels--by 2025. The "25x'25" vision is widely endorsed, bold, and fully attainable. If implemented, it would dramatically improve our energy security, our economy, and our ability to protect the environment.

"I am pleased that more than 20 of my colleagues in the Senate, from both sides of the aisle, are cosponsoring this resolution. In addition, the "25x'25" vision has been endorsed by 22 current and former governors and several State legislatures across the country. The Big Three automobile manufacturers--Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors--are all behind "25x'25" So are many agricultural organizations, environmental groups, scientists, and businesses, ranging from the Natural Resources Defense Council to John Deere.

"These Americans understand that we cannot continue to import 60% of our oil from foreign countries, many of which are hostile to the US, if we aim to be strong and secure in the world. They know that we will have to build a clean energy economy if we are to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is time for Congress to take a more active role in our clean energy future. Establishing a national goal--"25x'25" is the first step."

Source: 25x'25 Act (S.CON.RES.3 / H.CON.RES.25) 2007-SC03 on Jan 17, 2007

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Contact info: Campaign website: www.kaineforva.com Email: team@kaineforva.com Mailing Address: PO Box 12307, Richmond, VA 23241 Phone: 804-819-1919

Page last updated: Apr 23, 2013