WASHINGTON - Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., on Tuesday joined the Senate's self-described "Gang of 16," which hopes to break the energy policy deadlock in Congress.
The senators, eight Republicans and eight Democrats, plan to introduce a compromise energy bill when lawmakers come back into session next month. The legislation will include increased domestic oil and nuclear production, alternative energy exploration and more commitment to conservation.
Coleman joined the group while more than 100 Republican representatives continue their revolt in the House chamber to demand a vote on their "all-of-the-above" bill, which includes increased drilling in Alaska. The Senate bill doesn't include drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Democrats, including Minnesota-endorsed Senate candidate Al Franken, have accused Coleman of supporting energy policies favoring the interests of the oil industry.
"Nothing is more urgent or of greater significance to the American people than solving our energy crisis," Coleman said in a statement. "Our energy dependence is not a Republican or Democrat problem -- it's an American problem."
EMILY KAISER
