Energy & Environment

Senator Lincoln lead efforts in Congress to promote rural America as a leader in the development of renewable energy technologies that will help stimulate the rural economy, reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and preserve our environment for future generations. She is proposing new tax incentives to utilize the unique natural resources that rural America has to offer as sources of renewable energy.

A New Energy Economy
Senator Lincoln has supported and worked for commonsense energy reform that provides a smooth transition from an old energy to a new energy economy. Arkansas, with our reliance on coal, oil and natural gas along with vast natural resources that are potential sources for renewable fuels, offers a perfect example of why a transitional energy economy is critical. Most Arkansans agree there is tremendous potential for job growth with the development of clean energy technologies, and Senator Lincoln is eager to help our state lead the way. She is working toward a balanced, 21st century energy plan that will stimulate, not stifle, the economy. She knows we can make immediate gains toward reducing carbon emissions, achieving energy independence and incentivizing renewable energy, all while improving the environment and creating much-needed jobs here at home.

A Bipartisan Approach
In 2008, Senator Lincoln was one of 10 bipartisan Senators who developed legislation on a comprehensive and job-creating energy policy. The proposal included a historic investment in research and development in an effort to transition new vehicles to non-petroleum based fuels by 2020. The plan would expand responsible measures to increase offshore drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf and remain committed to expanding renewable sources such as wind, solar and geothermal. The plan also included consumer credits to purchase advanced fuel vehicles and increases nuclear power generation. Most importantly, the proposal would be fully paid for with no net tax or spending increase. Senator Lincoln remains hopeful that the Senate can take up similar legislation after dealing with the pressing issues of jobs and the economy.

Fighting for Energy Efficiency
In 2009, Senator Lincoln was part of the effort in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to pass a bipartisan comprehensive energy bill, which did pass in June. The bill includes a Renewable Electricity Standard, which would increase the use of clean and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass. The bill would also update the current transmission system to make energy use and production more efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, this legislation promotes investment in clean energy programs, technology and infrastructure projects that will help stimulate our economy and spur the creation of green jobs. Senator Lincoln knows that in order to compete in the twenty-first century, our country must transition from an old energy economy to a new energy economy that promotes alternative and renewable sources of energy. That is why she is fighting to further increase the use of alternative fuels like biodiesel, which will help create clean energy jobs in Arkansas.

A Clean Energy Future
Senator Lincoln supports the goals of curbing greenhouse gases, reducing our dependency on foreign oil, and advancing clean-energy technologies. However, she believes we must achieve these goals responsibly by finding a balanced solution that is good for the environment and good for the economy.

Conserving for Future Generations
Senator Lincoln has fought for increased funding for conservation programs in Arkansas and around the country. As an author of the 2008 Farm Bill, she secured a $4 billion increase for conservation programs, including a $1.3 billion investment in the Wetland Reserve Program. Her work in the Senate has also led to increased and focused funding for ecosystem restoration, resulting in tens of thousands of additional acres of restored oak woodlands. For her work on behalf of conservation, the Nature Conservancy of Arkansas honored Senator Lincoln with the Dale Bumpers "Forever Arkansas" Award in 2009.

Energy & Environment

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