WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The National Association of Manufacturers is praising a proposal for U.S. energy independence advanced by U.S. Sen. George Allen, R-Va.
NAM President John Engler said Monday that Allen's "Strategic Plan for Energy Independence" would increase domestic energy production, rein in price increases and slash U.S. dependence on foreign sources.
Allen, chairman of the Senate Competitiveness Caucus, is urging a 5-point program to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil: Strategic use of power and alliances to reduce leverage that hostile states now enjoy; accelerated exploration and development of domestic energy resources; stepping up investment in innovation of new energy sources; a new commitment to innovation, research and development and entrepreneurship; and an unequivocal declaration of national commitment to energy security.
"In the near term, we need to develop more of our own resources," said Engler, adding that Congress should do more to open drilling on the Gulf of Mexico's Outer Continental Shelf.
