Allen calls for more domestic energy to wean West from hostile regimes

[jpak]

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=110714&ran=226627

WASHINGTON - Under fire from Democrats who say he is beholden to major energy companies, U.S. Sen. George Allen called Friday for renewed efforts to increase domestic production of oil, coal and natural gas and a "declaration of independence" from "hostile sources of foreign oil."

While calling on Americans to "commit every effort and resource" to ending the West's dependence on oil produced in countries such as Iran and Venezuela, Allen gave little attention to conservation in his 25-minute Senate floor speech.

He told reporters later that he continues to oppose tougher fuel economy standards for American cars and gas tax increases that might discourage energy consumption. Fuel prices already are too high, he said, and increasing them with higher taxes "would just really hurt families, small businesses, homeowners" and others.

As for fuel economy standards, Allen argued that "Families ought to make the decision as to what kinds of vehicles they want to drive." Tougher miles-per-gallon requirements could make some large vehicles unavailable, he said.

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:puke:

[depakid]

1. So- just where does this idiot think it's going to come from?

I guess oil and natural gas just materialize out of thin air because we want them to.

Grassley's another one of these kinds of idiots who think that if we wish for it- it'll just be there.