U.S. Energy Policy: Four Senators Propose Bill to Eliminate Foreign Oil Imports By 2030

Even though the U.S. government cannot come together to pass a comprehensive climate and energy bill, this hasn't stopped Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley from proposing new legislation calling for America to reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

Last month Merkley outlined a plan to reduce the United States' consumption of oil.  Today he, along with fellow Senators Tom Carper, Tom Udall, and Michael Bennet, introduced a bill based off of Merkley's plan.

The Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act proposes to eliminate all foreign oil supplies by 2030.  The bill proposes to replace this energy source by developing a "robust clean energy economy." 

This clean energy economy would include increased production and use of electric vehicles, more rapid development of alternative fuels, revamping infrastructure, and improving energy efficiency for homes and commercial buildings.

In introducing this legislation, Senator Udall said, "With our bill, we will take control of our energy future from special interests and foreign powers through the development of clean energy resources, by increasing energy efficiency, and by creating the jobs of the future here in the United States.”

Read the full story at Senator Jeff Merkley's Website: Merkley, Carper, Tom Udall, and Bennet Introduce Oil Independence Bill for a Stronger America

Image credit: Solar Kismet