Priorities with respect to our nation's energy policy

By Mike Thompson

New sources of clean and renewable energy can be to the 21st century what coal, oil, and gas were to the 20th century. By making the smart investments we can help make sure renewable energy and all the jobs that come with it + jobs in construction, design, development, engineering, maintenance, and manufacturing + are a foundation of our economy for generations to come.

I have coauthored the bipartisan Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (H.R. 596) that streamlines permitting for renewable energy projects on public lands.

I have introduced the bipartisan Master Limited Partnership Parity Act (H.R. 1696). This legislation would allow renewable energy projects to take advantage of the same business structure, the master limited partnership (MLP) that is currently only available to oil, natural gas, coal extraction, and pipeline projects.

I have introduced legislation that would help expand PACE programs like we have in Sonoma County to other places around the country. PACE has helped create more than 700 jobs in Sonoma County.