ACEC President David A. Raymond is urging the Senate to adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing rising energy prices that includes all options-expanded production of U.S. oil and gas and nuclear, along with wind and solar, as well as other renewable sources.

"This piecemeal approach to solving our national energy problem is ridiculous," Raymond said. "The U.S. is no longer in a position to say this option is okay, but that option is not okay. Only a broad gauge solution that takes advantage of all energy options will adequately address the problem."

When the Senate returns after Labor Day, ACEC will continue its call for lawmakers to "stop the useless debate between proponents of oil and gas drilling, and those who support more renewables and conservation," says Raymond.

In a letter to the Senate, Raymond also emphasized the need to include energy efficiency, modernizing the nation's energy infrastructure, and research and development of new technologies to any new energy strategy.

"No single energy source can provide a satisfactory solution for America's energy needs," Raymond said, adding that while "we cannot drill, mine, or farm our way to energy sufficiency...no combination to the exclusion of others will suffice."

Before the recess, the Senate was in the midst of a debate over energy policy and ACEC, along with several business organizations, underscored an approach that uses all domestic energy sources instead of choosing among them.