Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and 22 of her colleagues in the House of Representatives have formed a bipartisan working group of Democrats and Republicans to seek bipartisan agreement on energy solutions. Capito released the following statement after the group’s initial meeting:

“With gasoline at more than $4.00 per gallon, West Virginians aren’t concerned about Republican solutions or Democrat solutions. They simply want real solutions to address our energy challenges.

“Partisan gridlock doesn’t solve problems, and there’s little question that folks are tired of the bickering. West Virginians deserve a comprehensive response to our energy crisis which means taking advantage of domestic energy, promoting conservation and investing in renewable energy.

“I believe we can come to an agreement on this issue, and I appreciate the efforts of the Democrats and the Republicans from this working group who have made that goal a priority.

“We’ll continue to work for a comprehensive agreement to put us on a path to energy independence and tackle the pain at the pump.”

The group of 23 members of Congress held their first meeting Monday evening, and the group is approximately evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.

Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) and John Peterson (R-PA), who are also members of the working group, released the following joint statement to discuss the group’s direction:

“We are very pleased at the level of commitment among the group of 23 Republicans and Democrats from all parts of the country who were able to attend the first meeting and begin working together to develop a real national energy plan.

“It is abundantly clear that the public is tired of the partisan rhetoric coming out of Washington. They want solutions. This working group recognizes that politics as usual will not solve our national energy crisis. A comprehensive approach must include regulatory reform, increased domestic production, conservation and real investment in renewable and alternative energy technologies. These are all part of America’s energy future.

“Upon adjournment of our initial meeting, we have renewed hope that working together, across the aisle, Congress can put differences aside and act in the best interest of the nation, regardless of party affiliation.”