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Washington – Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) today announced that four additional Senators have signed on to support the New Energy Reform Act of 2008.  The bipartisan energy proposal, better known as the New Era plan, has now been endorsed by 20 senators – 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats.  The plan aims to reduce gas prices, lessen our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and strengthen America’s economy.

 

U.S. Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, Evan Bayh, D-Ind., Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., have joined the bipartisan coalition led by Senators Conrad and Chambliss.

 

“We are pleased to have the support of our colleagues and we will all work together to keep the momentum moving in an effort to gain additional support for this bipartisan proposal,” Senators Conrad and Chambliss said in a joint statement.  “America’s growing energy crisis demands immediate action.  Our Group of 20 is taking an approach that goes beyond the polarizing partisanship that has poisoned Washington.  America’s energy security is not a Democratic issue, or a Republican issue.  It is an issue that affects all of us.” 

 

The New Era plan 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 conservation provisions, consumer tax credits, and responsible measures to increase domestic production.

 

Other members of the bipartisan coalition include: Senators John Warner, R-Va., Tim Johnson, D-S.D., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Mary Landrieu, D-La., John Sununu, R-N.H., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.,

Norm Coleman, R-Minn., Tom Carper, D-Del., John Thune, R-S.D., Ben Nelson, D-Neb., Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., Mark Pryor, D-Ark., Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Ken Salazar, D-Colo.

 

Tomorrow the Senate will convene an energy summit – in response to a request by the bipartisan group – bringing together experts on energy policy to present proposals on how America can reduce gas prices, lessen America’s dependence on foreign oil, and strengthen the nation’s economy.