Braude, Flores Pledge to Press Energy Policy

City Council members Marvin Braude and Joan Milke Flores, hoping to influence the federal government, said Tuesday that they plan to move forward with formulating a city energy policy to deal with possible oil shortages.

The council members said Los Angeles should take the lead in weaning residents off foreign oil while exploring renewable energy sources and conservation.

“We feel strongly that we have a big contribution to make in the determination of a fundamental policy for the United States,” Braude said. “We are closer to the people. We’re able to determine what sacrifices people have to make and we can help determine a fair balance of who has to change.” The council members said they plan a series of congressional-style hearings.