Senator Susan Collins is calling on Senate leaders to address the energy crisis as the first priority when the Senate reconvenes after the August recess. She has expressed support for a recently-introduced bipartisan consensus energy plan that would increase American production of energy to further the goal of energy independence and to help combat high prices. In addition, Senator Collins has announced a comprehensive energy plan.
Senator Collins recently voted against the resolution enabling Congress to adjourn for the recess saying that Congress should instead work to address the nation’s energy crisis. By a one vote margin, the U.S. House also voted to adjourn.
Senator Collins’ letter to Senate leaders follows:
August 11, 2008
Dear Majority Leader Reid and Republican Leader McConnell:
I urge you to take up the bipartisan energy plan advanced by Senators Conrad and Chambliss to address the energy crisis as the first priority when the Senate reconvenes after the August work period. I am profoundly disappointed that the Senate left for the August break without acting on the comprehensive energy legislation that is needed to combat high energy prices, provide increased funding for weatherization and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and put America on a path to achieve energy independence.
At a time when many Americans have had to curtail their own vacations due to the high cost of gasoline and heating oil, it was irresponsible for the Senate to stop working on energy legislation for an entire month. As I visit communities throughout my state of Maine, I hear time and again that the high cost of energy is a crisis for many of our citizens. Energy prices are foremost on the minds of the majority of Americans.
Rapidly increasing prices for home heating oil, gasoline and diesel fuel are a crushing burden for many families, truckers, farmers, fishermen, and small businesses. High energy prices affect virtually every corner of the economy, in Maine and throughout the country, and are a significant cause of the current economic downturn.
I am committed to the passage of legislation based on the principle that America’s long-term energy security requires us to produce more, use less, and develop alternative, renewable sources of energy. I urge you to work together to pass bipartisan legislation addressing the energy crisis. We do not need a Republican energy bill, or a Democrat energy bill. We need an American energy bill to combat high energy prices.
Thank you for your consideration and your continued leadership on issues important to all Americans.