McConnell skewers Obama for algae 'pipedreams'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday attacked President Obama for his recent suggestion that still-developing technology of algae-based fuels could help bring down gas prices in the United States.

“I think the American people realize that a president who’s out there talking about algae when they’re having to choose between whether to buy groceries or to fill up the tank is the one who’s out of touch," said McConnell.

The minority leader was responding to remarks President Obama made at the University of Miami on Thursday in which he said that algae could soon provide a path for lower gas prices.

"You've got a bunch of algae out here," said Obama. "If we can figure out how to make energy out of that, we'll be doing alright.”

Conservative critics largely panned the comment, and pointed to administration oil-and-gas drilling policies they call too restrictive and the failure to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

McConnell said the president’s comments are further proof that he has lost touch with the American people. 

“Americans get this issue," said McConnell. "They get that we need to increase oil production right now here at home and not simply rely on pipedreams like algae."

Several Republican senators, including Rob Portman (Ohio) and Roy Blunt (Mo.), also took to the floor on Tuesday morning to pressure the Obama administration into increasing domestic energy production to offer relief at the pump for Americans. 

---