By Tracy Overstreet
tracy.overstreet@theindependent.com

ALDA -- Democratic Senate hopeful Scott Kleeb toured the Leon Plastics manufacturing plant this morning in Alda.

"Fuel is a big, big cost," John Barry, Leon Plastics operations manager, told Kleeb.

Not only are high diesel prices causing a spike in shipping costs for the 115-employee plant, they are also increasing the input costs because of the petroleum-based plastic and vinyl used in production.

Leon Plastics is an injection molding company that produces interior parts for vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, Dodge Ram pickup and Hummer.

"Energy is transformational. It's the biggest issue facing us," Kleeb said.

Kleeb said the United States needs to make changes on both energy production and consumption.

He advocated an investigation into domestic oil pricing, a study on the number of domestic oil refineries and the development of more alternative fuels including cellulosic ethnaol, solar and wind energy.

Kleeb said Americans also need to reduce consumption. More fuel-efficient vehicles are needed as are more home energy-saving measures.

Kleeb faces Democrats Tony Raimondo, Larry Marvin and James Bryan Wilson in the May 13 primary race.