Nelson warns of energy crisis

WASHINGTON, April 22 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., warned of a coming oil crisis and urged dramatic steps, including conservation to help Americans face energy problems.




in his most recent State of the Union speech, U.S. President George W. Bush said the United State is addicted to oil, but Nelson said the president hasn't come up with the tough policy changes needed to make a real difference.

Nelson, delivering the Democrats' radio address Saturday, said the first step is to confront some powerful interests, including the oil lobby. He said the use of hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels would help, as would tapping into technology to set mileage standards at 40 miles to the gallon for passenger cars.

He warned that an energy crisis could be set off by a terrorist attack, foreign government action such as Venezuela cutting off oil supplies, or a natural disaster that hit oil producing areas.

Whatever the cause, the crisis is coming, Nelson said. And so America must act now, before soaring prices and a dependence on foreign oil puts a choke-hold on our economy and military.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International