Energy Plan 2008: Democrats versus Republicans

Democrats

1. Allow drilling 100 miles off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and in the gulf off the west coast of Florida. The limit could be amended to 50 miles offshore with the approval of each state's governor and legislature.
2. End tax breaks for oil companies.
3. Apply royalties from increased drilling and money from rescinded tax breaks to creation of more renewable energy sources.
4. Include a loan program of $25 billion to $50 billion to help the auto industry transition to the production of vehicles that use clean fuels.

Republicans

1. Allow offshore drilling in the same locations without the mileage limits imposed by Democrats.
2. Allow exploration of oil shale in the Rocky Mountain West.
3. Apply royalties from increased drilling to the search for renewable energy sources.

Sources: The Washington Post, House Democrats and Republicans.