McHugh said we are the only country that treats its oil reserves as an environmental liability rather than an economic opportunity. He said 85 percent of the country's available oil reserves are off-limits due to environmental issues.

That's why he has urged congressional leaders to lift environmental restrictions on developing oil reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Continental Shelf and on shale-oil exploration in the western United States.

If the United States could show it was going to develop those reserves within 10 years, the oil speculation bubble would collapse, McHugh said, noting the technology to develop those reserves in a more environmentally friendly manner has improved drastically.

He's in favor of opening the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve but voted against a proposal to do so two weeks ago because it had no plan for replenishing the reserve.

McHugh said the country apparently didn't learn from the oil crisis in the 1970s. At that time, it imported 45 percent of its oil, but that figure has since grown to 70 percent.

"The only thing that will make a difference is ensuring your elected representatives stick to it."

HOME-HEATING BILL

Energy issues are especially important in rural communities, where there is a lack of mass transportation. McHugh said that every time he returns home to Pierrepont Manor, he hears from constituents about the price of gas and fuel oil.

Heating a home is not optional, he said, especially in the North Country.

"It's a matter of life and death. People are scared, and they should be."

McHugh has introduced legislation to try to help. The Home Energy Affordability Tax Relief (HEATR) bill would give up to a $500 tax credit to individuals and families who face more than $1,500 in home-heating costs this winter. For those facing lower costs, it would provide a tax credit equal to one-third of their costs.

Individual tax filers who earn less than $50,000 and joint filers who earn less than $100,000 are eligible. Above that, the tax credits phase out at $60,000 and $110,000, respectively.

There is a limit of one credit per housing unit. It can be used only for fuel costs, including propane, natural gas, heating oil, kerosene, wood, wood pellets and electricity.

CLINTON PLAN

U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.