Mike stands for responsible, clean energy sources that break our dependence on foreign oil and eventually fossil fuels. He also knows that the wheels of commerce must continue, without jeopardizing other resources. That’s why he stands adamantly against the natural gas drilling process known as hydro-fracking until there is adequate proof that the process of drilling will not contaminate water sources and that removal of waste products can be done safely. The tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico clearly illustrates that we can’t afford fast track solutions.

In the wake of the gulf spill, Mike successfully offered an amendment authored by him with bipartisan support stripping big oil and gas companies of the “sweetheart deal,” holding them accountable to the same environmental standards as every other industry on construction sites. Ultimately the measure will ensure that oil and gas development is conducted in a manner that does not threaten public health or the environment.

Mike has also fought bitterly against ill-conceived projects that would hurt our communities. He led the fight against construction of the controversial NYRI Powerline, successfully stopping it in it’s tracks. He voted against Cap and Trade because the ramifications meant higher energy costs for upstate manufacturers which could have cost jobs.

As America works to break dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuel energy sources and consumers, Mike Arcuri’s vision of Upstate New York is that of a clean alternative energy leader. To date, Mike has secured over $1 billion in recovery funds to lower energy costs and foster development in sustainable energy sources in the district and the state. Over $500 million has been allocated to local communities for the development of a Weatherization Assistance Program.

Mike voted in favor of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facility Act to enable school districts to renovate schools with renewable energy sources from locally-produced vendors. The legislation will help save taxpayers money through the implementation of green building techniques which will transform schools into “green schools”, which on average utilize 33 percent less energy than standard-school facilities. Green schools also have an average savings of $96,760 per year. These savings ultimately can also help prevent tax increases and secure jobs.

And this year he secured over $5 million for energy conservation projects in 14 Upstate New York communities, saving an average of $337,619 per community per year.

Standing up for communities against big oil and gas and their powerful lobbies isn’t easy, but here, again, Mike is delivering for us.