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Republicans Should Join Democrats In Passing Energy Independence Bill

Contact:  Chuck Oxley   (208) 871-4976 (office)  

BOISE, Idaho – State Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings is calling on Idaho’s Republican congressional delegation to stand up for Idaho’s working families by joining Democrats in passing the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007.

This critical bill would protect working families throughout the Gem State by improving energy efficiency, punishing gas price gougers, and strengthening U.S. national security by taking real steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. 

At a time when Idaho consumers are saddled with record gas prices, which have increased 125 percent since President Bush took office, Republicans in Washington continue to stand up for their special interest friends and stand in the way of real reform.  This year, the average Idaho household with children will spend $5,431 on transportation fuel costs, an increase of 124.83 percent over 2001.

In addition to combating price gouging by oil companies, a new Joint Economic Committee report  shows that the energy efficient practices encouraged in the Democratic energy plan could save Idaho’s working families $1,600 each year--$750 a year in household energy costs and $875 a year on gasoline costs. [Joint Economic Committee report, 6/14/07]

 “While Republicans have chosen to stand up for their special interest friends instead of leading on energy issues, Democrats are committed to protecting American consumers and promoting our national security by making America energy independent,” said Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Richard Stallings.

“Republicans will disagree, but if they want to stand up for Idaho’s working families, they should join Democrats in passing the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007.”