Energy News

Heath Shuler's support for clean energy policies has measurable benefits for North Carolina and the rest of the nation according to analysis by Environment North Carolina.

In a web-based publication, Environment North Carolina found that Rep. Heath Shuler’s votes save will North Carolinians more than $840 million each year at the pump, and would make significant progress toward creating as many as 62,000 new “green jobs” in North Carolina.

“Whether you are looking at jobs, energy, or consumer savings, Rep. Shuler is bringing real progress to North Carolina by supporting a clean energy economy,” said Ivan Frishberg for Environment North Carolina, adding “North Carolina is a big winner when it comes to clean energy and we need leadership in Washington that understands that.”

The full report can be found here. The main findings of the analysis are that as a freshman member of Congress, Shuler has:

•    Voted to increase gas mileage standards for cars, a move that will cut gasoline consumption by 270 million gallons a year in North Carolina by 2020. This move will save North Carolinians $840 million each year at the pump.

•    Voted for strong energy efficiency standards for appliances, equipment, and lighting that will save enough energy by 2020 to power 660,000 North Carolina homes.

•    Voted for producing more of our energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar power and for extending federal incentives for clean energy. These policies would expand upon the clean energy boom that has seen the construction of more than 10,000 new wind turbines across America in the last three years alone.

•    Voted to take away tax breaks from Big Oil and use that money to support a transition to a clean energy future. One recent study found that North Carolina could create 62,000 good-paying green jobs through an aggressive federal investment in green energy infrastructure.

“North Carolina is facing an energy crisis,” continued Frishberg. “Energy costs are rising. Pollution from fossil fuel use threatens our health and contributes to global warming. And America’s dependence on imported energy puts our economy and national security at risk.”

Environment North Carolina has endorsed Heath Shuler for re-election in this November’s election. “For a clean energy future that can protect our environment and rejuvenate our economy, North Carolina voters should re-elect Heath Shuler in his race for Congress against Carl Mumpower,” said Frishberg.

Rep. Shuler has earned top marks for his advocacy for clean energy and a clean environment. In 2008, Rep. Shuler voted for clean energy and pro-environment initiatives 92 percent of the time.