U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is calling on oil companies to do something about rising gas prices.
During a hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Senator Feingold criticized oil company executives for not doing enough to explore alternative energy sources, despite saying three years ago that they were working toward that goal. Feingold cited figures showing Big Oil has spent more on marketing in the past three years than it has on research for renewable energy sources.
Feingold says they need to help the US overcome its addiction to oil. Despite its position as the third largest oil producer in the world, he says the U.S. still can't secure enough oil to meet current demands.
The Wisconsin Democrat says progress is being made, through steps such as stopping purchases for the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. However, he says alternative sources of energy need to be more fully explored.
Feingold says oil companies need to step up and be part of the solution.
