Courtney Geels
Republican | U.S. House of Representatives
What do you consider to be the most pressing energy-related issue(s) today?
We are no longer energy independent. We are relying on other countries for our energy needs.
How do you propose addressing the above issue(s)? What policies would you advance or support to achieve these solutions (NC Clean Transportation Plan, Carbon Tax/Trading, etc.)?
Instead of having so much heavy regulation from the Federal Government, I would suggest incentivizing green energy with tax deductions and allowing for oil production within America and putting taxes on carbon-based energy. We can allow the market to move toward green energy at the pace that our infrastructure can sustain without driving inflation and harming the lower-income families in their ability to pay for gas and groceries.
If elected, how will your work help position North Carolina to both address energy and climate issues and improve our energy systems?
As a nurse, I have been trained to assess prior to intervening. I want to spend time hearing from the green energy experts, as well as the experts in the oil and gas industry, and I would like to hear from experts in the nuclear energy sector. I want to find an economical balance where we can balance a budget while moving toward green energy and becoming independent of other countries in our need for energy for national security purposes and inflation.
What actions or policy measures can help NC adapt to extreme weather
events?
This question would be more directed to a candidate for the NC Assembly. My platform is built around bringing power from the federal level to the states and People. As a federal representative, I would want to find grants as needed to assist the needs of my state, North Carolina, in their policy making. If I have constituents who have great ideas for preparation in North Carolina, I am happy to attend meetings with them and a state legislator to see how we can work together while keeping management of these issues as local as possible.
How should the United States develop national energy independence? What
role does North Carolina play in securing an energy independent future?
Please see answer in number 2 and 3.
How can NC take measures to support communities which depend on the
fossil fuel industry throughout the energy transition?
We cannot sustain the current process in the current administration. We are draining the federal reserve of oil. I see the benefits in moving toward green energy, but we are still consuming oil and gas at a similar rate without the supply. We cannot run out of this necessary commodity. As noted in number 1, I think the federal government needs to allow the market to move toward green energy and push it along with tax incentives. Carbon tax would be something I can support. I am not for federal mandates of any kind. There is always a balance that must be maintained to make sure we have the energy necessary to maintain the current infrastructure.
What role does offshore wind generation have in NC’s energy future?
I am open to learning more about opportunities North Carolina can have in this industry as it will create jobs and further the innovation in the energy sector.
Does NC have an obligation to provide aid to communities adversely affected by the fossil fuel industry? If so, how?
I’m not sure if this question is directed at financial aid to those who can’t afford gas? Or communities that were previously working in the oil industry that no longer have a job? The first question, I do not support further spending. From the federal level, I want to push for a balanced budget and work down the national debt to stop inflation, so the market can catch up with wages and pricing. As far as the second question, I support going back to drilling for oil internally as we are still using oil, but importing it. This will restore jobs, and we can incentivize moving away from fossil fuels and toward wind, solar, and nuclear. We need to urgently make changes, or we may fall into an economic depression, and there is obvious concern for international relations that we do not want to be put in a position to not have access to oil. Farmers and transport trucks are hurting with gas prices, and that is driving all costs up with food. We cannot sustain the current policies.
How should regulations for utility companies consider energy efficiency, weatherization, and/or renewable procurement programs for underrepresented population? Unrepresented populations include those such as seniors, veterans, and lower income individuals.
All of these underserved populations are hurting from economic policy right now. My highest priority on this subject is stopping inflation. I also want to make sure all of these people have quality medical care. These two topics are more of my specialty. I would need to research and assess and hear more from professionals in the energy business to see what they recommend for helping these people make sure they have their energy needs met.