WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has introduced The American Energy Act. The legislation is similar to a bill championed by Congressman Rehberg in 2008 to combat high gas prices. The bill now includes an expanded role for nuclear energy.

“As gas prices creep steadily upward, we’re reminded once again the impact high energy prices have on the economy and jobs,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. “When energy prices go up, economic behavior changes - a family doesn’t take vacation, which leaves a hotel room empty and a souvenir stays on the shelf. High energy prices helped tip us into a recession, and recovery is not likely to happen while energy prices remain high. There’s a stark difference between Speaker Pelosi’s plans to tax energy with the goal of higher prices, and this bill, which taps all energy options to bring prices down.”

The American Energy Act would help reduce prices by providing an “All-of-the-Above” solution to America’s energy needs. Rehberg, a long-time leader on energy issues in the House of Representatives, has said that energy independence is one of the most important issues of a generation. His four-part plan includes using traditional energy sources in places like ANWR, improving energy conservation, developing alternatives to be competitive in the marketplace and using new technologies to invent our way into the future.

“While Montanans are struggling to pay their bills, Congress is moving forward with plans to make those bills even greater,” said Rehberg. “No wonder people think Washington, D.C. is out of touch with Main Street America. We need a comprehensive energy plan, and we need it before prices sky-rocket again.”