Skyrocketing gas and energy prices are hurting Nevada’s working families.  That’s why I am pushing Congress to pass legislation to address the root causes of the problem and reduce the burden on consumers and the economy.  Excessive speculation on Wall Street and around the world has helped drive dramatic increases in oil and energy prices. The bill I introduced would curb speculation, go after OPEC for collusion, and convince the oil companies to start investing their huge profits in clean, affordable alternatives like wind, solar and geothermal energy to power our economy.  I've forced votes at least five times this year on legislation to help restrain energy prices and help the consumers.  For those who say we should drill more at home, I believe the oil companies should start using the 68 million acres of onshore and off-shore leases they already own, before asking for more land.  But let me be clear, we can't simply drill our way to lower prices or to real energy  independence because America has less than 3% of the world's oil supplies and uses more than 25% of its production.  That is why we must increase our investment in renewable energy sources like the ones that are so abundant in Nevada.

I spoke this week about the record-breaking gas prices Nevadans are paying at the pump. Seven years of the Bush Administration’s oil-friendly policies have resulted in one of the greatest shakedowns of American families in our nation’s history. Oil prices have quadrupled and gas prices have more than doubled since President Bush took office. As the Bush administration stands by and watches, Nevada families are feeling the pinch—both at the pump and through a weakened economy.

I am committed to putting Nevada consumers first, and to fixing the root causes of high gas prices so these solutions have a real, lasting effect. Under my leadership, Democrats will require Big Oil to pay its fair share and invest in clean and affordable renewable energy sources, which will create thousands of good paying jobs in Nevada. The Consumer-First Energy Act and the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 will also protect consumers from price gougers who rip off Americans and greedy oil traders who manipulate the market, and will stand up to OPEC countries colluding to set high oil prices. To read more on how I have been working to support renewable energy in Nevada and across America click here.

For more information on my energy plans, CLICK HERE.