Congressman
Henry E. Brown, Jr.

Addressing our Nation's Energy Challenge

Meeting the energy needs of our nation is one of the biggest challenges we currently face.  We face a growing energy challenge that has roots both here in the US and globally.  I support an approach that includes a large portfolio of energy options to ensure that we are best able to respond to this challenge (click here to learn more).  As we face record high prices for oil and natural gas, we must invest in our domestic resources to curb the control foreign and sometimes unfriendly sources of energy have over our nation.  While I believe the foundation of meeting our nation’s energy demands in the short-term should be based upon on domestic oil, natural gas and nuclear energy, I am also a strong supporter of long-term investment in renewable, domestic energy, and was one of seven original supporters of recently enacted legislation mandating an increase in automobile fuel economy standards.  Find out more about House Republican efforts to address high energy costs and reduce foreign dependence by visiting http://www.gop.gov/energy/.

Part of that effort has been in continuing the research and development of technology to convert the kinetic energy of waves, currents, and tidal streams into electricity.  I believe that there is a great deal of potential for coastal South Carolina to be a leader in this form of renewable energy. 

I am also a strong believer of hydrogen energy, especially since South Carolina is one of the national leaders in hydrogen energy research.  I was also proud to be a cosponsor of legislation that has been championed by my friend and fellow member of the South Carolina delegation, Congressman Bob Inglis, which is entitled the H-Prize Act of 2007.  This legislation directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive cash prizes biennially to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies.

I strongly believe that if we do not invest in American energy resources such as additional refining capacity and allowing more nuclear power to come on-line, the price we all currently see at the gas pump will have nowhere to go but up.