For Immediate Release                                                            Contact: Kristen Hawn (202) 226-9782
March 26, 2009                                             

Blue Dogs Release Official Energy Principles for the 111th Congress

Washington, DC - Today, members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition announced the official adoption of the Blue Dog Energy Principles for the 111th session of Congress.  Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) and Rep. John Barrow (D-GA), leaders of the Blue Dog Energy Task Force, made the announcement as the group continues to engage in policy discussions aimed at encouraging domestic production and moving the energy and climate change debate in a balanced direction.

“The principles we’ve put forward today provide an important roadmap for where many of us stand with regard to energy policy and climate change,” said Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT), Blue Dog Energy Task Force Chairman.  “There is no question our country needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil.  To do that, we believe everything needs to be on the table, from conventional domestic sources to alternative sources.  Congress should not be in the business of picking winners and losers.  Following these principles will drive the debate in the right direction and they come as we are about to consider major energy legislation.”

"These are common sense principles that'll get our country back on track, and in a way that won't leave our kids and grandkids in debt,” said Rep. John Barrow (D-GA), Blue Dog Energy Task Force Vice-Chairman.  “We need to get working on this issue as soon as possible because we need a smart energy policy now more than ever. It’s essential to our economic recovery and it's essential to our national security.”

The Blue Dog Energy Task Force continues to operate within the larger Coalition to drive viable, comprehensive policy solutions and alternatives aimed at promoting national and economic security, with the understanding that America’s continued prosperity depends on the availability of reliable, affordable sources of energy.

The full Blue Dog Energy Task Force membership includes: Rep. Jim Matheson, Chairman, Rep. John Barrow, Vice Chairman, Rep. Joe Baca, Rep. Sanford Bishop, Rep. Dan Boren, Rep. Leonard Boswell, Rep. Chris Carney, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Lincoln Davis, Rep. Brad Ellsworth, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Rep. Bart Gordon, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Rep. Charlie Melancon, Rep. Harry Mitchell, Rep. Collin Peterson, Rep. John Salazar and Rep. David Scott.

The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public.  The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States.  Currently there are 51 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.  For more information, visit the Blue Dog Website at http://www.house.gov/ross/BlueDogs/.