DNC town hall tackles energy issues

DENVER, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Rising energy and gasoline prices dominated Tuesday's nationwide town hall meeting at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The United States needs "a balanced portfolio approach to achieve its energy goals," said Jim Rogers, president and chief executive at Duke Energy in response to a question about an energy policy that would work now and be cost efficient.

The town hall was the second of three such meetings the DNC sponsored during its gathering in Denver. Questions were pulled from across the nation.

Barack Obama, set to accept the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday, has an energy plan that would invest in technology, renewable energy and provide help to U.S. consumers to control their bills and energy usage in the future, his campaign says.

"The important thing is make investment today," Rogers said. "It's critical for energy efficiency now and to build the bridge to a low-carbon world."

When asked about what can be done to bring down gas prices, energy strategist Amy Christensen said Obama's proposed $1,000 energy rebate for family would help in the short run. Obama's energy plan also would double fuel efficiency in 10 years and calls for 1 million plug-in hybrids in seven years. Obama's proposal also would seek to create 5 million green jobs.

"It's the greatest opportunity we have," Christensen said. "We can't drill our way out of this problem"