WASHINGTON – Congressman Maurice Hinchey of Hurley has been beating the drum for energy conservation, alternative energy sources and lowering gas prices for some time, and now more than ever, he said it is imperative that the issues be addressed immediately.

Hinchey Tuesday said legislation must be approved to prevent gouging of oil prices; to go after foreign countries that participate in oil cartels that drive up prices; and a bill to make new investments to help reduce US dependence on foreign oil.

While the House has taken up those issues, Hinchey says the Senate has been reluctant to in the face of threatened presidential vetoes.

“This issue is important right at the moment and it really needs to be addressed and a veto threat should not impinge upon the ability of the Senate to pass this bill,” he said. “And the right-wingers in the Senate should not be allowed to press their opposition to these bills in ways stipulating that they are going to demand 60 votes rather than just 51 votes in order to get this passed in the Senate.”

Hinchey has long been a proponent of development of solar energy and was key to establishment of the Solar Energy Consortium based in Ulster County.