Sen. Carper Lends Support to New Energy Reform Act of 2008

WASHINGTON – Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) was asked to bring his experience and support to the development of a comprehensive New Energy Reform Act of 2008, or ‘New ERA,’ an energy proposal to reduce gas prices, lessen our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and strengthen America’s economy.

Sen. Carper and fellow senators John Warner (R-Va.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), John Sununu (R-N.H.), and Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) formally joined a bipartisan coalition led by Sens. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) known informally as the ‘Gang of 10.’

“I have always believed that the best way to achieve the energy results that this country so desperately needs is to work together and work across party lines,” said Sen. Carper. “That is why I am proud to join this distinguished bipartisan group of senators who are determined to set aside petty differences and work for the American people by lowering gas prices, ending our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and looking for new, alternative ways to power our vehicles.”

The New Energy Reform Act includes responsible measures to increase domestic production, significant conservation provisions, consumer tax credits, and calls for a focused effort to transition the nation’s motor vehicle fleets to fuels other than gasoline and diesel.

The senators believe their bipartisan energy plan will generate a groundswell of support among the American people as well as their colleagues in Congress and lead to the development of comprehensive legislation to tackle the nation’s energy crisis.

Other members of the bipartisan coalition include: John Thune (R-S.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Ben Nelson (D-Neb).