RELEASE: Austria to Neuhardt: Time for Your Energy Plan

Release:

Springfield, Ohio- Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) who has endorsed a comprehensive energy plan to tackle the nations' energy crisis is calling on his opponent to do the same. Sen. Austria has traveled the district discussing the American Energy Act which he endorsed in July. Since then, his Democrat opponent Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs) has proclaimed "we can't drill our way out of this problem" (Dayton Daily News, July 28, 2008) and told Bremen voters drilling is, "a drop in the bucket." (Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, 8/20/08)

"Senator Austria has endorsed a comprehensive energy plan which includes responsible drilling, alternative energy, and energy conservation. While Senator Austria has been meeting with constituents in all 8 counties in the Congressional District who want lower gas prices and American energy, his opponent has denied real solutions to our crisis. Solving the energy crisis will take leadership, not sound bites," said Brad Mascho, Campaign Manager for Senator Steve Austria. "So far, Sharen Neuhardt has only opposed relief at the gas pump. Voters deserve to know if she will use responsible leadership in the way that Senator Austria has and fight for American solutions to our energy crisis."

The American Energy Act, which Senator Austria endorsed while his opponent declared that "we can't drill our way out of this problem" (Dayton Daily News, July 28, 2008) includes the following provisions:

- Allow oil and natural gas exploration on the Arctic coastal plain and deep water ocean while establishing a trust fund for revenues generated from this exploration;

- Cut red tape which has hindered the construction of new refineries;

- Provide tax incentives for purchasing fuel efficient vehicles and improving home energy efficiency;

- Further the expansion of nuclear power production;

- Permanently extend the alternative energy production tax credit.