Reid calls for sweeping energy bill

By MEREDITH SHINER | 6/3/10

Reid sets July 4 deadline for chairmen to pitch legislation. AP

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is calling on the Senate's key committee leaders to come up with a comprehensive energy strategy by July 4, accelerating the push for legislation in wake of the worst oil spill in American history.

Reid demanded "swift" action from Democrats “to address both the existing situation and to reduce the risks of such a catastrophe happening again.”

"It is extremely important that you each examine what could be included in a comprehensive energy bill that would address the unfolding disaster in the Gulf of Mexico," Reid wrote to chairmen who oversee the nation's energy policies. "The economic, social and environmental devastation occurring there now due to the oil pollution is unprecedented."

Committee leaders Max Baucus, Jeff Bingaman, Barbara Boxer, Chris Dodd, Patrick Leahy, Joe Lieberman, Blanche Lincoln and John Rockefeller all received the majority leader's letter and have been asked to contribute their ideas to developing a blue print for a comprehensive bill.

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