Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer rolled out a plan Monday meant to reduce the American family's pricetag for gasoline. But as Rob Manning reports, the plan won’t necessarily bring down the cost of gas any time soon.

Blumenauer blasted Republican calls to increase domestic supplies by drilling more.

The Portland Democrat says getting people to drive less will reduce demand, and bring down prices. But it wouldn't happen quickly.

In the meantime, he suggests extending tax benefits that drivers and bus-riders have, to include those who carpool, telecommute, and bike.

Earl Blumenauer: “Doesn’t make any difference to the employer, doesn’t make any difference to the federal government, we ought to give families that choice.”

Blumenauer says the parts of his plan with a price tag, like public transit construction, may need a new President, and new Congress, to be funded.

In the meantime, for areas that aren’t served well by public transit, Blumenauer’s plan has incentives for people to move closer to transit, or telecommute.

The plan also includes funding to improve walking and biking routes to schools.