The “Gang of 10” create a “New Era” to tackle soaring gas prices

Members of a bipartisan coalition of Senators known as the “Gang of 10” held a news conference to discuss their plan to reduce gas prices, lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and strengthen America’s economy. The “Gang of 10” is led by Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), and includes Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Sen. Johny Isakson (R-Ga.), Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), and Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.).

All of the members of the “Gang of 10” said that the U.S. is facing a “critical challenge” because of skyrocketing energy costs and that this growing crisis undermines the budgets of families across the nation. They agreed that the issue is neither Republican or Democratic, but rather “an issue that affects us all.” Conrad explained that the “Gang of 10” is working together in a bipartisan manner to develop comprehensive energy legislation. He also explained that the New Energy Reform Act of 2008, better known as the New Era Bill, is an intensive effort to transition vehicles to non-petroleum based fuels by using “robust” federal commitment to conservation and energy efficiency. Conrad said that the bill addresses all aspects of the energy issue by aiming to convert vehicles to non-oil fuel sources, enhancing conservation, and creating responsible domestic energy production.

Chambliss said that the “Gang of 10” epitomizes what the Senate is all about. He said that they are making a true bipartisan effort to solve the two critical issues: supply and demand of oil and conservation. Landrieu said that the bill will do more to lower the price of gas at the pump than anything Congress has previously done. Isakson said that this is America’s second and last chance to solve the energy problem, and the security of the nation depends on this solution.

Thune explained that the group is focused on “going where the energy is.” He said that in 2007 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol were produced and 9 billion gallons are expected to be produced this year. Nelson said that the question “to drill or not to drill” is no longer that important because the U.S. needs to “do it all.” Corker said that the group recently sent a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Finance Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asking them for their cooperation in the effort and the bill. Pryor said that the U.S. is facing a very tough time where people can either “come together or be torn apart.” He explained that the “Gang of 10” decided to “come together and lead the way forward.”