Lawmakers suggest tapping oil reserves, more domestic output to handle rising gas prices

Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Jasper, said the nation needs to develop a comprehensive energy portfolio that includes a variety of American-produced energy sources, such as increased production of oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear. He also suggested expanding alternative forms of energy, such as biofuels, wind, solar, hydropower and geothermal. "This will lower energy prices, create new American jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," DesJarlais said. "We simply cannot afford to let government bureaucracy stifle our nation's ability to produce our own sources of energy, making us dependent on foreign countries for our energy needs."