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Democrats use high gas prices to tout energy agenda |
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By Chris Good
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Posted: 05/08/07 05:43 PM [ET] |
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House Democratic leaders, against the backdrop of national gas prices that top $3 per gallon, highlighted their energy reform plans Tuesday and promised a package of bills by July 4 that would wean the U.S. off imported oil. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) blamed current prices, averaging $3.05 per gallon according to the Energy Information Administration, on an oil-friendly Bush administration. “Years of Bush administration policies that have favored Big Oil over the consumers have resulted in record dependence on foreign oil, leaving American families and businesses to pay even higher prices,” Pelosi said. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) pointed out that Democratic leaders have scheduled seven hearings between now and Memorial Day to examine the oil industry. The hearings will deal with price-gouging, trusts, and other issues. According to Pelosi, the Democrats’ package of energy bills will “provide economic incentives to develop and use clean alternative fuels, help our nation’s farmers fuel our energy independence … [and] encourage energy innovation … that will create new jobs and help small businesses and enhance technology-driven efficiency.” |
