Coleman joins group seeking compromise energy bill

Associated Press

Senator Norm Coleman is joining a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues seeking a compromise energy bill.

The group calls itself the "Gang of 16." Coleman, a Minnesota Republican, says the group is offering what he calls common sense solutions.

Their proposal would approve $20 billion over 10 years to shift vehicles to non-petroleum-based fuels, as well as encourage conservation and increase offshore drilling.

Coleman is facing a tough re-election battle with Democrat Al Franken in which energy issues have become a flashpoint.

Coleman supports opening new areas for offshore drilling and using the revenue to develop alternate fuels.

Franken says oil companies should develop the offshore leases they already have.