Rasoul Outlines his Energy Policies

Press Release

Rasoul Outlines his Energy Policies

Sixth District congressional candidate Sam Rasoul said Wednesday that the United States must invest more money in alternative energy sources and energy efficiency to protect national security and spur the economy.

Rasoul, a Democrat who is challenging Republican incumbent Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County, said during a news conference at the Roanoke County-Salem Jail that the country missed an opportunity to achieve energy independence during the gas crisis of the 1970s, but failed to follow up and now buys nearly 70 percent of its oil from other countries.

"I now call on Americans to rally around a national energy revolution," Rasoul said. "My focus will be on the importance of energy diversification as a national security issue, how an energy solution can fuel economic growth for decades to come ..."

He said he supported legislation to have oil and gas companies begin oil production on 68 million acres of federal land upon which they already have the right to drill. He also called for the development of cellulosic ethanol and the purchase of more fuel-efficient vehicles for government use

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