U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts headed to Washington today to join a Republican mutiny against Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats.

Without microphones and under dim lights, Republicans have remained on the House floor since Congress adjourned for recess on Aug. 1 to have their say on a comprehensive energy plan.

They are giving speeches, answering questions and chatting with tourists.

Pitts was spending today in Washington to make it known where he stands, said his Press Secretary, Andrew Cole.

"We do need to invest in renewable and alternative energy resources and increase conservation," Cole said of Pitts' stand. "But we also need to increase energy production at home."

The Republican-backed energy plan, The American Energy Act, calls for offshore drilling, construction of refineries, opening the Arctic coastal plain and developing shale oil resources.

It calls for tax incentives for buying fuel-efficient vehicles and improving efficiency in buildings and awarding a monetary prize for developing a vehicle that reaches 100 miles-per-gallon.

In addition, it would allow the development of alternative fuels through government contracting. This requires a repeal of a prohibition on government buying of alternative energy and promoting coal-to-liquids technology.

It would create a renewable energy trust fund with revenues from the deep ocean and the Arctic coastal plain.

It would extend tax credits for alternative energy production, including wind, solar and hydrogen. And, it would eliminate barriers on expansion of emission-free nuclear power production.

Before Congress recessed, Pelosi blocked GOP attempts to put the plan on the floor for a vote, Cole said.

"She just believes we shouldn't use fossil fuels at all," Cole said.

But on "Larry King Live" on Monday night, Pelosi said she would be open to offshore drilling, possibly, if there were safeguards. She would like to see a bill that opens the nation's reserves and invests in renewable energy resources that are cheaper and "good for the environment."

Her refusal to allow the plan to come for a vote is what spurred Republicans to stay and protest, Cole said.

GOP members plan to maintain a presence until the end of the recess on Sept. 8.


Staff writer Robyn Meadows can be reached at rmeadows@LNPnews.com or 481-6025.