Sen. Heller’s energy priorities list is short: ‘Lower gasoline prices’

Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) has a very short priority list as the newest member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“Lower gasoline prices,” the new senator said in the Capitol when asked about his priorities on the panel.

Republican leaders announced Wednesday that Heller will replace Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) on the energy panel because Burr is heading to the Finance Committee. Heller, asked about proposals to lower prices, said he wants to increase U.S. energy supplies.

“I have already supported an all-of-the-above strategy,” he said, echoing common GOP calls to boost production of oil-and-gas and alternative energies. “I will continue to support an all of the above strategy.”

Heller said he has not yet had discussions with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the energy committee’s top Republican.

Burr was appointed to the influential Senate Finance Committee Wednesday to replace Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), the Finance member who recently resigned from the Senate. Heller was appointed to the Senate May 3.