Rubio lays out energy plans at stop in Salem

SALEM — Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida believes that "21st century America has the greatest energy potential of any nation in human history."

That's just part of the message Rubio gave to about 250 guests at BOC Water Hydraulics in Salem this afternoon.

"Not only do we have an abundance of oil and coal and natural gas, but we also have an unparalleled capability to leverage these into prosperity through the miracle of American free enterprise," he told the crowd.

Rubio laid out several points about how the energy industry, and other industries, would transform if he is elected. If elected, Rubio plans to "cripple the regulatory power of all federal agencies by instituting a National Regulatory Budget."

Rubio also told the crowd he will immediately approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

"The national security implications are clear, and the economic implications are so obvious even Washington can’t deny them," he said.