Energy
![Energy](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130213214713im_/http://www.coats.senate.gov/imo/media/image/energy_592.jpg)
When I travel across Indiana, I hear often about the impact of high energy costs on Hoosier families, farmers and business owners. From heating our homes to filling up our cars and shopping for groceries, the increasing cost of energy affects every Hoosier. To help reduce energy expenses and break our dependence on foreign oil, Congress must establish a comprehensive energy plan. Creating a long-term energy plan is not only good economic policy, but also important for our national security. As a member of the Senate Energy Committee, I believe this plan should include increasing our domestic energy supply; creating predictable vehicle efficiency standards for automakers; encouraging the production of clean coal, hydropower, natural gas, nuclear, geothermal and renewable and alternative fuels; and doubling the number of nuclear reactors over the next 20 years. Taxing Hoosiers and implementing harmful rules and regulations is not a responsible solution to our energy crisis. It is time Congress put forward a balanced energy plan that will meet our country’s energy needs, create American jobs, protect the environment, and strengthen the economy.