Hagan on Energy Independence: Dole Has Had 40 Years To Get This Right and She Simply Hasn't

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Hagan on Energy Independence: Dole Has Had 40 Years To Get This Right and She Simply Hasn't

State Senator and U.S. Senate Nominee Kay Hagan (D-Guilford) was in Raleigh today to talk to consumers about the drastic increase in the price of gas. When Elizabeth Dole took office in 2003, the average price of gas was $1.52 per gallon. Earlier this week average prices skyrocketed to a record $4.08 per gallon. Kay is prepared to advocate for hardworking North Carolinians who need a break at the pump, and today she met local drivers at the Glenwood Village Exxon to learn first-hand about how record gas prices are affecting these individuals and their families.

"Gas prices are climbing higher everyday - is there even an end in sight? Elizabeth Dole again sided with Big Oil and Gas over her North Carolina constituents when she voted against a measure that would have redirected tax incentives for Big Oil and Gas into investments in clean energy entrepreneurs," Kay said. "Working families need a break. I have proposed an energy plan that rolls back those tax breaks for Big Oil and Gas and reinvests those tax dollars into clean and renewable energy sources. My plan reduces America's dependence on foreign oil, brings relief at the pump, and creates new, clean jobs here in North Carolina that cannot be exported."

Betsy Carson from Raleigh, who met Kay today, agreed. "I don't drive as much as I used to," she said. "Not investing in renewable energy is very shortsighted. We need leadership in Washington who will address that."

"It's no wonder Elizabeth Dole avoids coming to North Carolina - based on some of the comments I heard from consumers today, I would, too," Kay said. "They are sick of politicians like Dole saying one thing and doing another - how on earth can she face her constituents with a straight face when she votes against their best interests time and time again?"

"Furthermore, we cannot drill ourselves to energy independence. The idea to drill off the coast of North Carolina is nothing more than a desperate attempt by Republicans to avoid true energy independence in favor of padding the profits of special interests once more. We need to end our dependence on foreign oil by reinvesting tax incentives given to Big Oil and Gas into clean, green collar jobs that can't be shipped overseas. Dole has been in Washington for 40 years - she's had plenty of time to get this right and she simply hasn't."

Kay will be at the Top Shell Mart gas station in Wilmington later this week to talk with more drivers and discuss her forward thinking, comprehensive energy plan.

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