SHAHEEN: CLEAN AMERICAN ENERGY IS VITAL FOR OUR ECONOMY, SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT

(Washington D.C.)-U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today released the below statement following President Obama's address from the Oval Office on the BP oil spill and the need for comprehensive energy legislation.

"For nearly two months, we have watched oil pour into the Gulf of Mexico, creep onto our shores, and damage the economy and environment of the Gulf region. BP must be held accountable for this terrible tragedy, and I am pleased the President vowed to use every tool at his disposal to collect damages for the victims of this oil spill.  

"However, I agree with President Obama that we need a national energy policy, not just a band-aid for this disaster. This is not just about BP. We need to take control of our energy future by enacting energy policies that will create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and cut carbon pollution by holding big polluters responsible."