WASHINGTON - Republican S.D. Sen. John Thune today joined 43 of his Senate colleagues by introducing major energy legislation aimed at reducing the price of gas by tapping oil and oil shale reserves here in the United States, increasing research and development for electric cars and trucks, and strengthening the U. S. futures markets.

"The rising price of oil and gas is costing the American people too much. Congress must put politics aside and address this growing problem. It is time for Congress to put policies in place that can have an impact on these out of control fuel prices," Thune said.

"America has 14 billion barrels of oil off our coasts and hundreds of billions more in western states that can and should be safely explored and brought to market," he added. "By increasing supply and lowering consumption, America can regain energy independence."