ENERGY
Strengthening American Energy Security
Since being elected to Congress, I have worked to strengthen America’s energy security and increase the availability and use of alternative energy sources. I believe that supporting home-grown, American-made energy sources is important, not only for our economy and the environment, but also for our national security. Reducing our dangerous dependence on foreign governments’ energy supplies is a vital part of our nation’s safety and security. I will continue to promote pro-growth energy and environmental policies and work to reduce regulatory hurdles for stakeholders. By encouraging domestic energy production, increasing America’s renewable energy supply, and developing more efficient technology, we can ultimately achieve lower energy costs, lower emissions, greater energy independence, and a stronger economy.
Home-Grown Energy
Biofuels are central to American agriculture and our energy security. Ethanol and biodiesel create jobs, add value to every bushel of harvested corn and soybeans, bolster our energy independence, and provide an affordable, cleaner fuel choice for consumers. In a very short period of time, our state has become one of the nation’s leaders when it comes to research, production, and use of renewable energy.
I have long supported the use of higher blends of biofuels, such as the year-round sale of E15 fuel, which is a readily available energy solution to leverage American agriculture and displace foreign sources of oil, all while lowering transportation emissions. I continue to fight to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard, including robust blending targets, the denial of small refinery exemptions, and pressing the Environmental Protection Agency to approve advanced fuels like ethanol derived from corn kernel fiber.
Biofuels and the South Dakota agriculture jobs and communities they support will continue to be a priority for me. I’m proud to support an industry powered by hardworking farmers and cutting-edge science in rural America. I will always stand for home-grown energy dominance, lower fuel costs, and consumer choice.
Recent Actions:
March 2009
Date | Title |
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3/20/09 | Forest Waste Can Contribute to Energy Security |
3/6/09 | Thune Applauds E15 Waiver Request |
February 2009
Date | Title |
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2/24/09 | Thune Responds to Presidential Address |
January 2009
Date | Title |
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1/29/09 | Thune Calls on EPA to Renew Big Stone Permit |
December 2008
Date | Title |
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12/19/08 | Energy Integration Would Benefit South Dakota |
12/15/08 | Thune: Wind-Hydro Study Shows South Dakota's Energy Potential |
November 2008
Date | Title |
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11/28/08 | Energy Development a Priority Now and in the Future |
11/10/08 | Thune Calls for Senate Hearing on Impact of Credit Crisis on Agriculture |
October 2008
Date | Title |
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10/7/08 | Thune Applauds Higher Blends Study, POET Project |
September 2008
Date | Title |
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9/23/08 | Thune Praises Senate Vote to Extend Wind Tax Credit and Other Renewable Energy Incentives |