SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Senator John Thune yesterday spoke in support of a bill that proposes to modernize the nation’s energy policies.
Thune says Republicans always say the country needs an “all of the above strategy.” He says that includes advancing wind and solar energy and continuing to encourage traditional sources of energy including oil and natural gas.
A Thune amendment to the Energy Modernization Act includes prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency from lowering the ozone standard, an effort the agency says will improve public health.
Other Thune amendments to the act include expediting wind permitting. The amendement establishes an Interagency Rapid Response Team. He says the process is too slow and discourages wind development.
Another amendment would pair hydroelectric generation with existing hydro dams.
Thune sayd investing in energy and development will better serve the health of the nation's economy, which he says is growing at much too slow a rate.