[img_assist|nid=2694|title=John Stephen at a Manchester gas station|desc=Photo credit: PolitickerNH.com|link=none|align=middle|width=420|height=315]

MANCHESTER- Former Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen (R-Manchester) has proposed a nine-point energy plan.

The plan, titled "Roadmap to energy independence," was announced at a gas station where gasoline cost $3.85 a gallon.

Stephen's plan includes: expanding conservation efforts, more domestic drilling, cutting regulations to build more oil refineries, eliminating energy subsidies, increasing research and development of new fuels, extending renewable energy tax credits, cutting existing regulations on new energy technology, expanding the use of nuclear power and reducing the fuel bends required for emissions standards.

"We lack a coordinated balanced energy plan," Stephen said. "Not since 1973 has Congress taken action to develop a coordinated plan."

Stephen laid the current energy problems at the feet of Congress.

"Congress has been ill-advised, Congress has failed, Congress is not working," Stephen added.

Stephen also took aim at his primary rival former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley(R-Wolfeboro). Stephen said Bradley has "flip-flopped" on drilling in ANWR.

"On three occasions he voted against ANWR, on two occasions he voted against offshore drilling and on one occasion he voted against building more refineries," he said. "All of a sudden he's running in an election again and he changes his position."

Bradley was against drilling in ANWR while in Congress but now says he would support efforts to expand domestic oil drilling.

"I have changed my position because the circumstances have changed," Bradley told PolitickerNH.com. "Not long ago Mr. Stephen said that finger-pointing wouldn't solve the energy crisis and I agree with that. We need to roll-up our sleeves and work on solutions."

Bradley cited his "long record" on energy policies while serving in the state legislature and congress.

"If others want to criticize me for standing-up for lower electric rates and more renewable energy sources then let them," he said.

Bradley and Stephen are competing against one another in the 1st Congressional District primary. The nominee will square off against U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester).