Energy

Christopher believes we can alleviate the current crisis through a series of initiatives that will increase conservation, invest in renewable energy, expand our domestic supply of oil and gas and thus reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Christopher understands the burden high gas prices place on families across the Fourth Congressional District. That’s why he’s working with Republican and Democratic members of Congress to enact a comprehensive, forward-looking energy policy. Christopher joined Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) to introduce the Energy For Our Future Act, which repeals excessive tax breaks given to oil companies, increases fuel economy standards, and provides incentives to make renewable energy more affordable and widely available.

Now that we are adopting policies that improve conservation and help reduce demand, Christopher believes we must increase our domestic energy supply. While he remains opposed to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Christopher believes we can invest in renewable energy like solar, wind and geothermal, drill for oil and natural gas miles off our coasts, build new nuclear power plants, and strengthen oversight of the energy trading market. He introduced a resolution with Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), which urges the President to direct the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to work with the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority in addressing excessive speculation.

The home heating season is around the corner. In New England, millions of families heat their homes with oil, which could reach $5 a gallon. To ease the burden, Christopher introduced the Home Heating Oil Assistance Act, which provides a $500 tax credit for the purchase of home heating oil. He’s also working with Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) to double funding of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This will help thousands of low-income and elderly people in Connecticut keep their homes warm this winter.