On July 4th weekend, Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) announced a Declaration of Energy Independence, a five point plan to bring down gas prices in the short term and break our national addiction to oil in the long term.

"Moving towards clean, affordable alternative energy will strengthen our national security, revive our economy and preserve our environment, and the time is now," Klein said. "We as a nation face an energy crisis, but if we harness the same American ingenuity and commitment our founders showed on the first Independence Day, we can and will solve this crisis."

Klein unveiled his plan at two events on Thursday, July 3rd. He was joined by community members feeling the pinch of high gas prices, including representatives from the Broward and Palm Beach County Meals on Wheels services, and scientists working to develop and commercialize the latest alternative energy sources, including Florida Atlantic University's Susan Skemp, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology.

Congressman Klein's plan includes the follow five points.

• Demand the oil companies "drill it or lose it." Klein co-sponsored legislation giving oil companies an ultimatum: before you access new public land, drill the land you already have. Oil companies control 68,000,000 acres that are environmentally permitted and ready for drilling, but sit vacant. The Bush Administration and some Republicans have temporarily blocked this legislation, but Congressman Klein is committed to fighting to see the bill passed

• Impose criminal penalties for gas price gouging. Congressman Klein strongly supported legislation instituting criminal penalties for anyone caught charging more than fair market price for gas. This legislation was also blocked by the Bush Administration and some House Republicans, but Congressman Klein will continue fighting to pass this bill and bring prices down.

• Stop speculation that's driving up oil prices. Experts say that ending unregulated speculation in oil markets could cut the price of oil by up to 50 percent. A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House passed tough legislation to crack down on these speculators and close loopholes opened up for companies like Enron. This legislation could have a real, practical effect on bringing gas prices down, and Congressman Klein strongly advocated for its passage.
  

• Expand clean energy tax credits for businesses and families.A long-term solution begins with making energy-efficient products affordable. Congressman Klein strongly supported bold legislation passed by the House this year to extend tax credits to consumers buying energy efficient products, from hybrid cars to new appliances, and to businesses producing these new technologies. Congressman Klein supports paying for these tax credits by ending huge subsidies to oil companies. He believes it is time to stop subsidizing oil companies and start investing in clean energy businesses.

• Invest in cutting edge research to develop affordable energy. Congressman Klein believes it is long past time for the President and Congress to show some real leadership on alternative energy. He strongly supports real investment in scientists and businesses who are developing and commercializing the next generation of energy sources, including wind, wave, solar and other renewable energy technologies.

For more information on Congressman Klein's Declaration of Energy Independence, please visit www.klein.house.gov.