Bachmann Concludes Two-Day Energy Tour throughout Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District

Press Release

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) spent April 9 and 10 touring energy production sites in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District and talking to constituents about common sense solutions to rising energy costs. Her tour included visits to coal, nuclear, electric and biodiesel production sites. Bachmann also highlighted solutions for lowering the cost of gas while she pumped fuel for constituents in Lino Lakes, Minn.

"Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District produces energy from a variety of sources and I want to see federal policies from Washington encourage the safe production of energy in my district and throughout the nation. The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service estimates that our nation has the world's largest combined reserves of oil, natural gas and coal. Our problem is not that we lack energy. The problem is that we don't have access to that energy. Today, only a miniscule three percent of federal lands are even leased for energy production.

"I believe that affordable and reliable energy is achievable through positive approaches to our vast energy resources. Through the free market, we can safely open up exploration throughout our nation. And now is the time to do it as energy prices are on the rise.

"My constituents are feeling the pain at the pump when they fill up their tanks with gasoline that is nearly $4 a gallon. I am committed to both lowering the price of gasoline and legalizing all forms of American energy."

Bachmann started her energy tour on April 9 by visiting Xcel Energy Sherburne County (Sherco) Generating Station (Coal) in Becker, Minn.; Xcel Energy Nuclear Generating Plant in Monticello, Minn. and Stearns Electric Association (Co-op) in Saint Joseph, Minn. On Tuesday, April 10, Bachmann pumped gasoline for constituents in Lino Lakes, Minn. and spoke about energy issues with the Elk River Chamber of Commerce in Otsego, Minn. She visited SarTec Corporation in Anoka, Minn., which uses a conversion system called the "Mcgyan Process" to turn plant oils and animal fats into biodiesel fuel. Bachmann concluded her energy tour by visiting the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association trade show in Saint Paul, Minn., and by hosting a listening session for gas station owners.

Source