Merkley, Snowe float plan to slash US oil import reliance

The senators said the bill will help ensure the U.S. stays on track to sharply cut imports even as political winds shift.

“The Energy Security Act of 2011 would establish a National Energy Security Council charged with keeping the nation’s focus on this goal even as presidential administrations change. The Council would report directly to the President to establish specific targets and oversee and coordinate federal programs to reduce oil consumption,” a summary of the measure states.

The council would “develop a national oil independence plan that would include a timetable for achieving oil independence and provide recommendations to Congress for legislation that would reduce oil consumption and promote oil independence,” according to the senators’ offices.