Foster: Dems pushing for renewable energy

WASHINGTON, March 29 (UPI) -- Rookie U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill., said Saturday Democratic lawmakers are focusing their efforts on renewable energy despite opposition in Washington.

The Illinois politician, who won a special election this month to replace former House Speaker Dennis Hastert until the winner of a full term is elected in November, used the weekly Democratic radio address to detail how Republican President George Bush is opposing a renewable energy plan offered by Democrats.

"Democrats have a plan to extend essential tax credits that will support the production and use of renewable energy, like ethanol," Foster said, according to a transcript of his speech provided by Fox News. "Unfortunately, President Bush opposes this plan and is instead working to protect taxpayer subsidies for big oil companies."

Foster said the ongoing U.S. military efforts in Iraq have proven to be a financial drain for federal resources which could be used on research.

"Passing this legislation is critical, but achieving energy independence will be virtually impossible if the war in Iraq continues with no end in sight," he said. "We have now spent more on the war in Iraq than has been invested on energy research in the history of our country."