Federal government rakes in funds from high energy prices
UDALL: You cast votes against an energy policy that would have us much closer to energy independence.
SCHAFFER: I cast votes in favor of an energy policy. The dramatic increase in revenue for the federal government right now is partially a function of
the dramatic increase in energy prices. The energy industry's marginal profit rate is about 8% right now, so as the price climbs, that 8% then creates an extraordinary amount of profit. That profit is taxed, and the windfall to the federal government as
result of high energy prices is what the government is raking in right now and not spending it particularly well.
Q: When you use the phrase "on the backs of the energy companies," you sound like they're poor, beleaguered companies that the government
is taking advantage of.
SCHAFFER: Oh, absolutely not. But the federal government is raking in funds as a result of this energy crisis. That's one of the possible motivations why people in Washington, like Mark, have fought to drive energy prices up
Encourage renewable energy development and alternative fuels
Following are some of the ideas Bob has proposed on the campaign trail:
Conserve water
Maximize the use of existing water storage
Use Colorado's water smarter
Promote private land stewardship
Preserve open space
Oppose
Udall's proposal to store nuclear waste in Adams County
Encourage sustainable living
Technology, not taxes
Entrepreneurs, not bureaucrats
Innovation, not litigation
Favor clean energy production
Make it easier for citizens to clean up
abandoned mines
No exemptions on international climate treaties
Focus soil conservation efforts on erosion control. Endangered Species Act reforms
Utilize space platforms to enhance environmental land management
Utilize beetle-killed tree
waste to produce energy and useful forest products
Revive an environmentally friendly forest-products industry
Favor active forest management
Encourage renewable energy development
Push the military toward alternative fuels.
Source: Campaign website, www.bobschafferforsenate.com
Aug 16, 2008
Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels.
Require a combined corporate average fuel efficiency [CAFE] standard for passenger automobiles and light trucks, including sport utility vehicles, of 26 mpg in 2005 and of 27.5 mpg in 2007. It also would offer incentives for alternative fuel vehicles.
Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR.
Amendment to maintain the current prohibition on oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by striking language opening the reserve up to development.
Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol.
Vote on an amendment that would allow the implementation of the portions of the Kyoto climate change treaty that are already allowed under law. The Kyoto protocol of 1997, which aims to reduce emissions of certain greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, has not been ratified by the United States. The amendment would allow federal agencies, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] to implement procedures already allowed under law that are also part of the Kyoto accord before the treaty is ratified by Congress.
Reference: Amendment sponsored by Olver, D-MA;
Bill HR 4690
; vote number 2000-323
on Jun 26, 2000
