Washington – Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar has joined six other lawmakers from both parties in asking President Bush to support legislation to cut America’s fuel use.
The request came after Bush’s announcement in Tuesday’s State of the Union address that he will push for increased use of renewable energy and decreased dependence on foreign oil. Bush aims to cut foreign oil imports 75 percent by 2025.
“I am pleased that the president is finally putting forward sound ideas on energy policy and making them a top priority for 2006,” said Salazar, a Democrat. “Energy policy is a matter of national security, and should transcend party lines and ideology.”
The lawmakers sent a letter to Bush on Wednesday highlighting bills introduced in the House and Senate last November. The bills would require for the first time a fuel-efficiency standard for trucks.
The bills also would:
Push for hybrid technologies, including hybrid electric vehicles that can be plugged in at night;
Encourage alternative fuel pumps at gas stations;
Ensure fuel-efficient replacement tires are offered for cars and trucks;
Provide tax credits for manufacturers producing alternative-fuel cars and trucks.
The letter to Bush was also signed by Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind; Sam Brownback, R-Kan.; Joe Lieberman, D-Conn.; and Norm Coleman, R-Minn.; along with Reps. Jack Kingston, R-Ga.; and Eliot Engel, D-N.Y..
