Issues

Energy Independence

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President Obama knows we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices or a quick-fix solution to our energy needs. That’s why he and Democrats are focused on developing all of America’s natural resources—domestic oil, gas, wind, solar and biofuels—and encouraging fuel efficiency so that we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil over time.

Already, this President has led the way to:

  • Domestic oil production at an eight-year high, and our dependence on foreign oil at a 16-year low. In 2011, we cut net oil and petroleum imports by 1 million barrels a day.
  • Expanded domestic oil production by speeding up the leasing process and improving safety measures to prevent future spills.
  • Nearly doubling renewable wind, solar and geothermal energy since 2008.
  • Agreeing with automakers to nearly double fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks. That will help to save families more than $8,000 per vehicle at the pump and decrease our oil consumption by an estimated 2.2 million barrels a day.
Recent Updates
  • Senate Democrats Act to End Tax Breaks for Oil Companies

    With gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon throughout the country, Senate Democrats are fighting to make sure that taxpayers trying to fill their tanks are getting a fairer shake -- instead of also subsidizing the oil companies raking in record profits from the high prices. This week, the Senate is poised to vote on a measure that would eliminate $21 billion in tax breaks over 10 years for major oil and gas companies.

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  • Republicans Once Supported Ending Oil Company Tax Breaks

    Despite opposition by the GOP and protest by oil executives, Democrats have continued their call to end government tax breaks for major oil and gas companies, the beneficiaries of windfall profits this year. But it was only a short time ago when Republicans, too, supported ending these unfair tax breaks.

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  • President Obama’s Town Hall Meeting on the Economy

    In a town hall meeting that aired today, President Obama answered questions about his efforts to rebuild our economy and create greater stability at the pump. Check out a few clips from the event, or watch the full town hall meeting by clicking the link at the bottom.

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Milestones