McCain talks energy in Pennsylvania

John McCain, stumping today in what could be the make-or-break state of Pennsylvania, is focusing on energy and hawking his plan for reducing dependence on foreign oil.

"We need to use nuclear," the presumptive Republican nominee declared at a town hall meeting in Wilkes-Barre, some 100 miles from Three Mile Island, the site, in March 1979, of the worst nuclear mishap in US history.

"Our problem is not that nuclear power isn't safe," said McCain, who wants to build 45 new nuclear plants. The problem, he said, is the storage of spent fuel and other nuclear waste.

The expansion of nuclear power distinguishes McCain from Democratic rival Barack Obama. They both say they want more use of wind, solar, and other alternative energy.

Another issue on which the candidates disagree is whether to lift to ban on offshore oil drilling. "We need to drill offshore," McCain told the town hall meeting.

Obama opposes the idea, arguing that it wouldn't provide any relief from high gas prices for a decade.

McCain hit Obama for opposing his proposals, reminding voters of the Democrat's short-lived campaign seal that resembled the presidential seal but had the Latin translation of his campaign slogan, "Yes We Can."

It should have said, "No We Won't," McCain quipped.

He also pumped up his proposal for a summer gas tax holiday, though it has been dismissed by most economists. "These are tough times in America," McCain said.