GAS PRICES AND ENERGY

Poor planning and myopic perspectives have contributed to the current dilemma regarding America's energy consumption. I have supported efforts to create a comprehensive plan to reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of oil.

There will be no "silver bullet" solution to the nation's struggle with rising energy prices. I believe a concerted and comprehensive approach will be necessary to place America's energy infrastructure back on the right track. American energy independence is an essential step toward achieving control over high energy prices.

I supported and voted for the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This legislation will help America realize her full potential to provide domestic energy sources through employment of a wide variety of approaches while decreasing American dependence on costly foreign energy sources. I strongly support the development of clean coal technology, continued expansion of domestic petroleum reserves, and increases in production capabilities.

I recently voted in favor of a bill that will provide significant incentives for expansion of domestic refining capacity. The Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act aims to streamline the permitting process and increase the utilization of alternative fuels like ethanol and bio-diesel. This bold initiative is a step toward increasing refinement capacity and the ultimate goal of American energy independence.

I believe ethanol and bio-diesel are important pieces of the energy puzzle. I use Bio-diesel in my own truck and I've found that it burns cleaner. Bio-diesel and ethanol are becoming more and more accessible as the price of gasoline increases. I have found a number places to fill my truck with bio-diesel including Seymour, Columbus, Osgood and Jasper.