In serving Kansas, Lee Jones will work hard to ensure America has an energy policy that grants Americans true energy independence, creates quality jobs and fights environmental degradation by investing in new green-energy technologies in the United States.  Lee Jones will commit to;

• Create energy independence by increasing governmental and private support of green technologies that will create new jobs and green energy in the United States
• Encourage more responsible energy use and greater energy efficiency
• Invest in technology to further develop and encourage alternative fuel sources like bio-fuel and ethanol
• Support U.S. automakers by investing in technology that allows for greater fuel efficiency standards in all vehicles
• Combat global climate change by engaging in strategic international alliances and investing in new carbon storage technologies

Climate Change
As Senator, Lee Jones will support legislation for a new global climate change treaty. Lee will demand any global climate change treaty is fair, easily monitored and enforced.  Lee believes the United States can further combat climate change by sharing our clean energy technology with cooperating nations as well as requiring climate change commitments in our trade policy with other nations.

As well, Lee Jones encourages the development of new procedures and technologies that address the safe transportation and storage of nuclear wastes from power plants.  Lee Jones believes that it is also important for energy production businesses to move toward carbon neutrality by developing ways to safely store or dispose of their own carbon emissions.

Here in Kansas, Lee Jones believes we can participate in the battle against climate change by developing procedures and technologies to permanently store carbon emissions.  Lee Jones supports banning the construction of any new coal-fired plants if they cannot capture and store their own carbon emissions. 

Energy Independence
Lee Jones believes that energy independence is critical to the future of the United States.  For years, Americans have listened to President Bush and his allies like Pat Roberts discuss energy independence while at the same time allowing America to become more dependent on foreign oil. In 2000, America imported 58% of the oil consumed in the U.S. and by September 2006, that number had risen to 70%.  The Financial Times has concluded our dependence on OPEC nations for oil imports “has risen to its highest level in 15 years.”

The use of foreign non-renewable energy resources has created unnecessary hardship for Kansas families and Americans in general.  As Senator, Lee Jones will work to support an energy policy that recognizes the need for the United States to be energy independent while addressing the major environmental challenges of our lifetime. 
Lee Jones believes we must begin this fight for a positive energy policy by putting an end to taxpayer giveaways for big oil companies, including tax subsidies and sweetheart leases that allow companies to accumulate record profits.  Lee Jones will also work to mandate that energy companies separate their energy profits from sales so they will profit from efficiency, not by just selling more power.

Lee Jones believes that the United States should dramatically increase use of renewable energy sources. As Senator, Jones will propose legislation that would encourage the harvest of these renewable resources, and in turn, create a better future for our children and grandchildren. In particular, Lee Jones believes Kansas is uniquely positioned to realize the advantages of green technology by investing in wind energy and new fuel sources.  By increasing technological support and financial investment in wind energy and other green technologies, Kansas will see the creation of quality local jobs in addition to creating domestically produced green energy.  

We must have an energy policy that encourages strategic investment in local and regional renewable resources like wind energy.  By investing in these green technologies we can ensure that Kansans continue to play their traditional role as responsible stewards of the environment while generating energy and jobs. 

Lee Jones will work to increase investment in green technology by establishing a $13 billion-a-year New Energy Economy Fund financed through the sale of emission permits.  As Senator, Lee will work to increase the Department of Energy’s focus on research and development of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Lee Jones will also work to help new green businesses get started by supporting new tax incentives as well as renewing existing tax credits for green technology and businesses. Jones will support incentives that encourage the development of technology that helps consumers use less electricity, from smart thermostats to more efficient light bulbs.  Lee Jones will also support offering incentives and rebates to help families weatherize their homes and update efficiency standards for buildings and appliances. Lee also encourages increasing widespread government use of renewable energy resources.  Overhauling federal buildings and vehicles to improve efficiency can reduce their overall energy use by 20 percent.

Fuel Sources and Fuel Efficiency
Lee Jones understands that alternative fuel sources for transportation are another critical element in a comprehensive energy plan.  Lee believes we should continue refining biodiesel and ethanol fuels, both of which assist Kansas farmers by raising the values of the grains used to manufacture the fuels.

In addition to new fuels sources, Lee recognizes that we must use our fuel more efficiently. As Senator, Lee would support a mandate for 'no exclusion' fuel economy standards at 40 miles per gallon by 2016.   To help reach this standard, Lee Jones supports increasing investments to help companies advance the latest technology, including biofuels, hybrid and electric cars, hydrogen fuel cells, ultra-­light materials and drive-train improvements.  Lee Jones knows that by achieving these energy efficiency goals in the automotive sector, we ensure union workers make the world’s most fuel-efficient vehicles right here in America.