By Jill Osterhout

Sun Staff Writer

NORWICH – Chenango County residents may benefit from a new plan to reduce gas prices.

Senator Charles E. Schumer announced Wednesday that he stands behind two provisions being reviewed by the state senate this week. Feeling influence from both Democrats and Republicans, Schumer stressed that the provisions are to satisfy both parties.

“Right now we are in deadlock; the left wants more conservation, but the right wants to produce more,” Schumer said. “We need a common sense compromise.” Schumer said the compromise would take measures to increase production while practicing conservation. As a means to do so, Schumer cited the senate’s Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 that lifts a federal moratorium on drilling in specific waters.

According to Schumer, with both sides having different views it has led to a “partisan stalemate” that has slowed the process of creating a comprehensive plan to eliminate or decrease America’s need for foreign fuel.

The senator said that, if passed, the provisions could lower gas prices in the next two years. Without these measures, he said heightened world tensions will continue to drive the price upward. The impact of high gas prices is already being felt locally.