Upton Leads Efforts to Create Jobs and Grow Michigan’s Clean Energy Economy
WASHINGTON — Today, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) formally announced its endorsement of Rep. Fred Upton in his reelection bid for the U.S. House in Michigan’s 6th Congressional District.
In order to receive CRES’s endorsement, candidates must acknowledge a role for the federal government in reducing America’s carbon emissions and developing a robust clean energy industry, as well as demonstrate leadership on policy initiatives related to climate change and emissions reduction.
“Congressman Fred Upton has played a key role in advancing the clean energy technologies that have created over 125,000 jobs in Michigan,” said CRES Executive Director Heather Reams. “Throughout his time in the U.S. House, including his tenure as Chairman of the House’s Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Upton has worked to promote a safe and healthy environment and supported job-creating policies that strengthen our energy economy. CRES is proud to formally endorse Fred Upton in his reelection bid for the U.S. House in Michigan’s 6th Congressional District.”
“I believe in an “all of the above” energy plan that focuses on emerging clean energy technologies like renewables as well as traditional energy solutions that keep costs low and energy affordable for Southwest Michigan families and businesses. This approach, mixed with commonsense updates to our outdated energy laws, will spur job creation, economic growth, and keep prices affordable for everyone while also protecting our beautiful natural resources,” U.S. Rep. Fred Upton said. “And I am proud to have the backing and support of a group that shares those values – Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.”
CRES-endorsed candidates have contributed to a policy landscape to advance clean energy and emissions reductions in a way that puts the needs of the country first. Examples of initiatives and legislation championed by CRES and endorsed candidates have included reforming and reauthorizing ARPA-E and advanced nuclear research and development; commonsense, market-based emissions-reduction policies, including legislation to help farmers, ranchers and landowners embrace sustainable farming practices and participate in voluntary carbon markets; and policy solutions to incentivize the next generation of hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal generation, among others.
Congressman Upton’s record on clean energy includes the following:
- Lead sponsor of the Methane Emissions Reduction Act, a potent GHGs pollutant.
- Lead sponsor of the Pipeline Safety Act, legislation that reauthorizes federal pipeline safety programs.
- Lead sponsor of the Pipeline and LNG Cybersecurity and Preparedness Act, which requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to implement a program to ensure the security, resiliency, and survivability of natural gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas facilities.
- Co-sponsor of the Nuclear Powers American Act, to promote the next generation nuclear power.
- Co-sponsor of the Blue Collar to Green Collar Jobs Development Act, bipartisan legislation that directs DOE to establish and carry out a comprehensive, nationwide energy related industries jobs program, and for other purposes.
- Co-sponsor of the Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act, a bipartisan bill that provides federal financial assistance to states to implement, review, and revise state energy security plans, and for other purposes.
- Serves as Ranking Member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and as a member of the House Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.
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