Bob Tuke for Tennessee, U.S. Senate

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it,” (Psalm 24:1)

Our nation is facing an energy crisis that is already taking its toll on working families across America, and Tennessee is experiencing more than its fair share of hardship due to rising fuel prices. Tennesseans drive further to work than residents in any other state, and our hard-working men and women are cutting back on basic needs such as food, clothing, and medicine just to get to work and earn their next paycheck, a growing portion of which will go straight into the pockets of foreign oil moguls. Soaring gas and diesel prices are forcing law enforcement to cut back on patrols and choking productivity for our farmers and freight transportation workers. And as our nation grows increasingly dependent on foreign oil from nations that are enemies of America, our citizens are forced to fund both sides of the war on terror while filling our atmosphere with climate change pollution.

Our situation is unacceptable, and we must take immediate action to achieve energy security in order to end our dependence on foreign oil and mitigate the effects of climate change.

In order to achieve energy security, we must aggressively pursue new technologies to improve efficiency and accelerate the development of alternative energy sources. Our very own Tennessee Valley Authority presided over the birth of hydroelectric energy, coal energy, and nuclear energy – it can do the same with the next generation of clean and renewable energy. As Senator, I would support the development of three new commercial-scale cellulosic biorefineries in Tennessee, one in each Grand Division of our state, through a partnership of the TVA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These biorefineries will play a critical role in helping bring a cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable, non-corn based cellulosic ethanol supply to market. Our success in producing cellulosic ethanol could be a key to eliminating our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. Technology exists today that can produce ethanol from materials such as switchgrass, sugar, farm waste, and municipal trash for less than $1 per gallon, which can then be sold at fuel pumps for $1 cheaper than conventional gasoline. Imagine moving beyond $1 per gallon to save us even more money at the pump while supporting Tennessee agriculture, creating green collar jobs for Tennesseans, and ending our dependence on foreign oil. We can do it, and if elected to the U.S. Senate, I will make biofuel production a priority.

The TVA is making great strides in reducing its carbon footprint and increasing overall efficiency, but there is much more work to be done. Improved efficiency is our best source of energy, and as Senator, I would support expansion of efficiency goals by the TVA to meet 50 percent or more of new energy consumption by the year 2025 as recommended in the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (NAPEE) and endorsed by 60 leading energy utilities, state agencies, energy service providers, and environmental organizations. Efficiency improvements of this degree could generate an estimated $100 billion in energy savings in 2025 than would occur with business-as-usual, as well as a net savings of approximately $500 billion. The production of cellulosic ethanol and increased efficiency both hold tremendous potential to make Tennessee the foremost leader in the effort to achieve energy security, end our dependence on foreign oil, relieve working families of the burden of rising fuel prices, and bring green collar jobs to Tennessee.

Tennessee can become a global leader in alternative energy production. Cellulosic ethanol produced from farm waste and other non-corn products holds enormous potential for Tennessee’s future. I am committed to developing a cutting-edge alternative energy industry in our state to help achieve energy security and bring green collar jobs to our state.

Funding for our energy future

No matter how noble the cause, I refuse to pursue any sort of policy without first determining the sources of funding. Here’s how we’ll fund the effort to achieve energy security:

• I support measures such as the Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation Act, which would repeal the $18 billion tax cuts for Big Oil corporations and would also tax Big Oil on their windfall profits. It’s wrong that taxpaying citizens are paying record high prices for gasoline while Big Oil makes record profits and then gets a tax break. Revenues recovered from repealing Big Oil subsidies will be invested in cutting-edge clean energy development and efficiency improvement.

• I support the elimination of policies that reward companies for making business decisions that thwart our energy security efforts, such as the “Hummer loophole,” which grants tax breaks to companies that purchase gas-guzzling luxury sport-utility vehicles.

• I support a market-based cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon dioxide emission levels 80% by 2050 as recommended by our nation’s own scientific community. A cap-and-trade program that auctions off 100% of its credits will encourage companies to become more efficient and environmentally responsible, rewarding the most efficient companies while allowing those facing higher efficiency costs to operate with optimal profitability. Revenue gained from this market-based approach to reducing pollution will be invested into clean energy development, improving efficiency, and to help businesses and consumers in the transition to a new energy system.

Improving energy efficiency

Our greatest source of energy can be found in improved efficiency, and folks across Tennessee are doing their part. Replacing a used incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb not only saves energy, it saves money in the long run. Taking the time to weatherize our doorways and windows can cut up to 20% on energy bills during the warmest and coldest months of the year. Tennesseans are tightening their belts and making smart decisions when it comes to saving energy and saving money. We must demand the same from our government.

• As Senator, I would support expansion of efficiency goals by the TVA to meet 50 percent or more of new energy consumption by the year 2025 as recommended in the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (NAPEE) and endorsed by 60 leading energy utilities, state agencies, energy service providers, and environmental organizations. Efficiency improvements of this degree could generate an estimated $100 billion in energy savings in 2025 than would occur with business-as-usual, as well as a net savings of approximately $500 billion.

• In the United States, buildings account for 70% of electricity consumption and 39% of all carbon dioxide emissions, and the federal government is the nation’s largest energy consumer. Our government must take measures to improve efficiency by committing to retrofit all existing federal buildings with green technology and set new building efficiency codes for all buildings to be emissions free by 2030.

• I support financial incentives for low-income and middle-class families to purchase green homes and make green renovations by weatherizing and using technology such as geothermal heating and cooling, recycled building materials, and Energy Star appliances. Furthermore, the Department of Energy can help consumers save millions in energy costs by continuing regular assessments on appliance efficiency standards.

• The federal government must work with states and utilities to update our existing electric grid in both rural and urban areas to meet the needs of newer technology, withstand an increasing demand for energy, and expand the capability for families to generate their own electricity to save money.

• I support a 35% cut in foreign oil imports by 2030 to save nearly 10 million barrels of oil per day by making all new vehicles flex-fuel compatible, accelerating the commercial development of plug-in hybrid vehicles, and doubling fuel economy standards on all new vehicles by 2030. During this transition, we must provide financial support for domestic automakers to help them lead the global automotive industry in the transition to more efficient cars and trucks.

• Tennesseans drive further to go to work than residents in any other state, making soaring gas prices an even greater burden than is felt nationwide. We must improve the way people and materials travel throughout the state. I support improving and increasing bus lines in metropolitan areas to encourage the use of public transportation and feasibility studies to expand light rail along routes with heavy traffic patterns to cut down on fuel consumption and congestion while providing more options for commuters.

• High fuel prices are also taking their toll on our freight transportation workers. I support legislation that increases punishment for price gouging and provides support for the trucking industry to implement more efficient procedures in shipping cargo to lower costs and increase profitability. We must find ways to help increase fuel efficiency to protect our truck drivers from rising fuel costs. I support incentives to accelerate the development and deployment of affordable and reliable commercial-grade Auxiliary Power Units, support for companies and owner-operators to install aerodynamic packages including wide-base tires to improve fuel efficiency, and encouraging truck manufacturers to invest in more aerodynamic models with reduced tare weight to increase cargo capacity.

Developing clean energy alternatives

Investing in commercial-scale biorefineries is the critical first step in turning Tennessee into a major alternative energy producing state. According to estimates by the Clean Tech Venture Network, green technology investment in the United States could possibly reach $19 billion by 2010. This could result in the creation of 500,000 new jobs. Tennessee can realize this potential to generate jobs and bring millions of dollars in new revenue into our state, but it will take strong leadership to get that done. I have that leadership and I will make it happen. Green collar jobs offer incredible opportunities to low-income and middle class workers who have faced years of stagnant wages and the effects of a growing income disparity in our nation. Manufacturing and agriculture, two of Tennessee’s top industries, hold the greatest potential for producing thousands, even millions of green collar jobs in the next few decades. We can’t afford to ignore this job and revenue growth potential.

• I support a 25% Renewable Portfolio Standard by 2025 to increase the nation’s supply of energy from clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal.

• A study by the University of Tennessee found that renewable energy crops could provide more than $700 billion in economic activity and 5.1 million jobs in 2025, with most of this growth occurring in rural areas. Our very own University of Tennessee is developing a state-of-the-art biorefinery research facility – it’s a good start for Tennessee, and we should strive to do more. I support the development of three commercial-scale biorefineries throughout the grand divisions in our state, through a partnership of the TVA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Cellulosic ethanol made from Tennessee’s own alternative fuel crops will boost Tennessee agriculture while helping our nation to not be beholden to foreign cartels for our energy needs. There’s no use in developing and purchasing flex-fuel cars and trucks if we don’t have reliable and affordable ethanol readily available for drivers, which is why I support financial incentives to encourage more fuel retailers across the state to carry biofuel for Tennessee drivers.

• I support a major campaign to develop and deploy carbon capture and storage technology for all carbon dioxide emitting power plants and a ban on all future traditional coal-fired power plants that are not compatible with carbon capture and storage. If we can find a way to burn coal cleanly, we will have a sturdy platform from which we can develop our energy future as well as job security for the working men and women of our coal industry. I also support more stringent enforcement of national mine safety and health enforcement codes to ensure the safety of mine workers who help to provide the energy we depend upon everyday.

• Mountaintop removal mining threatens our state's pristine vistas, wiping out forests, destroying waterways, and endangering wildlife. Mountaintop removal mining has destroyed nearly 1,200 miles of waterways and 387,000 acres of the forests in central Appalachia, while continuing to threaten many more of the places where Tennesseans love to hunt, fish, and hike. We must take action to stop further destruction of Tennessee's treasures. I support a permanent ban on all mountaintop removal mining in Tennessee and the use of coal derived from such mining in our power plants.

• The movement toward energy security will require a steady source of energy from existing sources, and nuclear energy will continue to play a role in powering our nation. The non-carbon power of nuclear energy holds great potential for our energy future, but we must address the financial, environmental, and security costs of building and startup, regulation, plant decommissioning, redirecting waterways, uranium mining, proliferation, and radioactive waste removal, to help give nuclear energy a more significant role in our energy future.

• I support a bill that makes it illegal for a foreign cartel such as OPEC to do business on American soil. If they want to do business, they will do it on our terms.

A recent study showed that 20% of the earth's carbon is emitted from developing nations due to production activities aimed at meeting the consumption needs of developed nations. The United States and European Union nations are able to cut carbon emissions in part because we’ve shipped manufacturing plants to other countries, like China and India, which have lower labor costs and an abundance of natural resources. Instead of simply pointing fingers, we must realize that the issues of global fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions connect us all as one. As we develop new technologies to increase conservation, improve efficiency, and achieve energy diversity at home, we can export our technology to developing nations to achieve lower global demand for fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas pollution worldwide. In the mean time, developing nations must be held accountable for their share of pollution and the impact they have on global demand for oil. While we should encourage growth and the rise of impoverished people to new living standards, we must demand controlled emissions growth from nations like China and India if we are to have any effect on the global movement toward energy security and guarantee long-term growth for all nations.

As America moves toward achieving energy security, we must also answer the call to help foster a global movement toward reduced fossil fuel use and the mitigation of climate change. The United States should work with the global community to become a leader in the effort to change the way we use energy around the world. I support active engagement with G8 members and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change to focus on issues regarding climate change and the global shift to energy diversity.

America has always been the leader in innovation. And developing cutting-edge renewable fuel technologies to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil should not be an obstacle to American progress – it should ignite progress by bringing new economic growth and new jobs to our workforce. We have the capability; we just need the political will and strong principled leadership to drive the development of a robust alternative energy industry. The people of Tennessee have the will, and I will bring principled leadership to make Tennessee the country’s example of a major alternative energy producing state.