Conrad Leads Effort to Develop Bipartisan Energy Plan

Press Release

Senator Kent Conrad today reconvened a bipartisan group of senators who, in 2008, worked together to create legislation aimed at reducing gas prices, lessening our nation's dependence on foreign oil, and strengthening America's economy.

"With political instability in Libya and around the Middle East, gas prices across the country have skyrocketed. Because of our reliance on foreign oil, our country is once again faced with an energy crisis," Senator Conrad said. "Enough is enough. We need to develop a comprehensive, bipartisan plan to reduce our dependence on foreign energy."

In 2008, Senator Conrad joined with Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga) to convene what became known informally as the "Gang of 20." Senators Conrad and Chambliss led the bipartisan group of senators in the development of the New Energy Reform Act (New Era),a comprehensive energy plan to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

In today's meeting, Senators Conrad and Chambliss reviewed the New Era plan. The proposal calls for a focused effort to transition the nation's motor vehicle fleets to fuels other than gasoline and diesel. To ease gas prices in the interim, the proposal includes significant energy efficiency provisions, incentives to develop non-oil fuel sources, and responsible measures to increase domestic production.

Other members of the bipartisan coalition in attendance today included: John Thune, R-S.D., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Mary Landrieu, D-La., Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, Mark Pryor, D-Ark., Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).

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