Senator Sherrod Brown

Energy

I continue to work with businesses, research institutions, labor unions, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to position Ohio as a leader in the alternative energy sector.

The most recent result and cornerstone of these efforts is the Green Energy Production Act, introduced in April of last year.  This bill would create a Green Energy Technology Investment Program aimed at entrepreneurs, innovators, colleges, schools, non-profits, and other entities that have a role to play in green energy, but do not have the seed money to start. The funding decisions would be placed outside of the political process by the Green Technology Investment Corporation, comprised of individuals with relevant expertise in business development and green energy technology.

The investment corporation would administer a variety of programs aimed at advancing the alternative energy sector, including loan programs for basic research, product development, and commercialization; green energy workforce development programs; and pilot programs aimed at fostering energy-efficient green buildings and communities. 

In addition to efforts to recruit and expand green energy manufacturing, I am committed to making sure Ohio’s coal country is not left behind, but becomes a leader in the new economy.  I continue to support increased R&D funding for the next generation of clean coal with carbon sequestration power plants.

During debate over the climate change bill, I introduced an amendment that called for the creation of an Economic Diversification Initiative within the Department of Energy, charged with providing direct aid to carbon reliant communities to assist with business development, workforce training programs, and infrastructure improvements.  This aid would assist communities in growing and attracting new businesses.

In addition, the Green Energy Production Act would create a new Energy Efficiency Grant Program, to be administered by the U.S. Department of Energy. This grant program would provide a dollar for dollar match for energy producers who implement conservation and efficiency programs that are designed to help consumers reduce their energy consumption. This grant would help address the problem of decoupling – when utilities resist investing in programs that ultimately reduce the demand for their products.

I continue to support tax incentives for renewable energy.  The production tax credit and investment tax credit are vital components to creating long term investment in Ohio.  I has advocated for permanent tax credits so businesses can better map out their future without facing the uncertainty of expiring tax credits.

Taking on Rising Gas Prices

I continue to fight for consumers and small businesses by working to lower gas prices.  Going after rampant market speculation and price manipulation is the quickest and most fair way to bring price stability to the pump.  I have supported numerous efforts to increase federal oversight by giving the Commodity Futures Trading Commission more authority and more resources.  I cosponsored the Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act, the Increasing Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008, and the Consumer First Energy Act, legislation aimed at combating disruptive distortions in market-based energy prices.  I have also written the CFTC calling on the Commission to take immediate actions to ensure that US energy futures markets are fully transparent and subject to the CFTC’s oversight.

I urge President Obama to use his administration’s influence and leverage to secure an increase in OPEC production. In taking action to lower gas prices, we must invest in alternative energy to end our reliance on foreign oil.  I oppose giving more permits to drilling in the United States when big oil already has 68 million acres (approximately 2.5 times the size of Ohio) of unused oil leases.   It is a mistake to pin our hopes to domestic drilling, which offers no short-term energy relief or long-term energy solution.   Alternative energy is the key to our nation’s energy future, and I am committed to accelerating the development and production of alternative energy in Ohio and throughout the nation.

Strategies for saving gas and money

Checking Your Tires

Underinflated tires cost you money. Gas mileage may decrease by as much as 15% when you drive on underinflated tires. Tires not filled to the manufacturer’s recommendation wear more quickly and need to be replaced sooner, adding additional costs to the family budget. Checking your tire pressure on a regular basis can ensure that tires are always properly inflated.

Keeping to the Speed Limit

Research has found that every 10 miles per hour driven over 60 mph is the equivalent of adding more than $.50 per gallon of gas. Faster speeds can reduce fuel economy by about 4 miles per gallon. Keeping to the speed limit gives you more bang for your buck.

Cleaning your Engine

Cleaning a dirty or clogged air filter can increase mileage by as much as 10%. Engine air filters should be changed every 3,000 miles or 90 days.

Tuning Up

Regular care and maintenance of vehicles can stop problems before they start. Old spark plugs can cause up to a 30% reduction in fuel economy.

Avoiding Gas Overflow

Overfilling your tank leads gas to flow out of the tank. Fill gas tank only to the first "click" of automatic fuel nozzles.

Keeping Windows up

Keeping windows closed when traveling on the highway is a smart strategy. Open windows create drag, reducing your gas mileage by about 10%.

Using the Right Tires

Removing snow tires when they are not needed saves fuel. Deep tire tread increases fuel consumption.

Cleaning out your Car

Removing excess weight from your trunk and the inside of your car is an excellent way to increase fuel economy. Extra weight reduces gas mileage, particularly when driving uphill.

Carpooling is Common Sense

Car pooling cuts your traveling costs and reduces traffic congestion. Distributing passenger weight evenly adds to your fuel economy.

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