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Gas prices out of control? Seven ways lawmakers could help – or hurt.

Gas prices are approaching $4 a gallon and oil prices are above $100 a barrel, leading politicians in Washington and statehouses to propose a flurry of legislation. Some proposals strive to quell voter angst while others might balance budgets by raising gas prices.

Approving oil pipeline to Canada’s tar sands

Jeff McIntosh / AP / File
The Albian Sands project, north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, is a leading effort in the push to turn oil-laden sand into useable crude. Alberta's tar sands cover an area equivalent to almost half of Colorado, representing potentially vast oil reserves.

  • By Mark Clayton Staff writer

At Senate hearings Wednesday, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Richard Lugar of Indiana reiterated support for the proposed 1,700-mile long Keystone XL pipeline. Crossing six states, it would bring oil from Alberta's tar sands to the US, a plan environmentalists say would accelerate climate change.

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