Denver (Platts)--26Aug2008

Democrats kicked off the second day of their national convention in
Denver on Tuesday after a series of speeches Monday night renewed calls for
energy independence and touched on economic hardships brought on by high
gasoline prices.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she expects to battle Republicans in
the months ahead on oil and gas supply and renewable energy issues.

"America needs a president who will once and for all end our dangerous
dependence on foreign oil and invest in renewable clean energy," Pelosi told
party delegates filling the Pepsi Center arena floor.

Jim Leach of Iowa, a former member of Congress and a Republican who broke
ranks to endorse expected Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack
Obama, criticized the Bush administration for its position on climate change.

"The party that prides itself on conservation has abdicated its
responsibilities in the face of global warming," he said.

In the keynote speech of the night, Michelle Obama placed energy in the
context of the flagging economy. The mention underscored efforts by Obama and
his expected Republican opponent Senator John McCain to tie energy policy
proposals to the pocketbook concerns of the middle class.

In an emotional speech before delegations waving "Michelle" placards
alongside their state ones, Michelle Obama said "the thread that connects us"
is strong enough give "hope to the man who's unemployed, but can't afford gas
to find a job."

With specific energy policy plans serving as a high-stakes subscript to
the November elections, trade organizations and advocacy groups are here in
force. The American Coalition for Clean Coal, for example, has spent some $2
million on advertising and advocacy efforts at the convention.

The American Petroleum Institute, National Mining Association and the
American Gas Association are holding joint evening events closed to the press.

In addition, the Nuclear Energy Institute and Edison Electric Institute
plan a luncheon for the National Governors Association on Wednesday.

Dubbed the "greenest" convention ever, sign-waving protestors outside
the Pepsi Center have focused on accusations of links between the Bush
administration and multinational oil companies.

--Joel Kirkland, joel_kirkland@platts.com