The price of a gallon of gas near my home in rural Hamlin County is well over $4.00. In a state like South Dakota, where families often drive long distances to ball games or into town for church or groceries, rising gas prices can have a significant impact on a family's or business's bottom line.
 
Our country needs a plan for energy independence that not only works to lower energy costs, but boosts our domestic economy and creates jobs here at home. I continue to support and advocate for an all-of-the-above American energy policy. Through encouraging innovation and continuing to support renewable fuels, like ethanol and other biofuels, we can take steps towards a more secure, stable and reliable energy supply.
 
In the House of Representatives, we are looking at legislative options to help families and businesses combat the pain at the pump. Recently, the House passed H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, with bipartisan support. This bill removes the need for a presidential permit and immediately authorizes the construction of the northern route of the Keystone XL pipeline. Although this is only one small piece of the puzzle, increasing North American energy production and sustaining our domestic refining industry are essential for energy independence.
 
There are numerous reasons why gas prices fluctuate, but bad, ineffective or a lack of federal policies shouldn't be one of them. I'm hopeful that Congress will continue to consider legislation that will work to open up more federal land for energy development, which will increase our domestic energy supply and reduce our dependence on unstable sources of oil.
 
Our country is full of untapped resources - including natural gas. The Potential Gas Committee recently released the results of its latest assessment of our nation's natural gas reserves. Because of innovative new technologies, this year's assess

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