Press Release

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY NOT JUST FOR EARTH DAY
At $3.50 a gallon, need for other fuel sources is urgent

NASHVILLE – As gas prices hit an average $3.50 a gallon, U.S. Senate candidate Mike Padgett said Tuesday it has never been more urgent that we find other ways to fill our tanks.

“Alternative energy sources aren’t just something we roll out and talk about on Earth Day anymore,” Padgett said. “They are the best way to cut down on how much of this outrageously expensive foreign oil we’re using.”

In 2008, the average Tennessee family will spend close to $5,000 on gas.

“A fellow told me last night he spent more than $90 to fill up his pickup,” Padgett said. “Remember when gas was $1.24 a gallon? That was the average cost before Senator Alexander took office.

“Americans expect their leaders to try to fix the problems that make life tough. But when an energy bill came up in the Senate last December to enforce better mileage and develop other energy sources, Senator Alexander, President Bush and other Republicans threatened to scuttle it.

“Why? Because it would have ended some of the huge tax breaks going to the oil industry. Only when that part of the bill – along with some of the alternative energy funding – was taken out did they agree to let it go through.

“We can do better. We are a nation of innovators, like Henry Ford and Bill Gates. We can find a better way to fuel our cars and trucks if only our leaders in Washington will make it possible.

“And not only will it help us with our family budgets, but biofuels made from corn or switchgrass or soybeans will open up a world of economic opportunity for Tennessee farmers.”

“If Tennesseans will stand with me, I’ll stand up for the kind of innovation that will ease the struggle for working-class families.”

William "Mike" Padgett is former Knox County Clerk and small business owner. He and Patty, his wife of 37 years, have three grown children, Matt, Mark and Sara Beth

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