''By ignoring our own resources, we are causing the demise of our own nation's greatness, while funding the rise of our international competitors, many of whom are not friendly to our interests,'' Hatch told state lawmakers in a rare appearance before a legislative committee.

Republicans across the country are using public outrage over high gas prices and Congress' summer recess to put pressure on Democrats to lift a ban on offshore drilling, end a moratorium on commercial oil-shale development on federal land and develop more nuclear power.

Hatch was joined at the Capitol on Wednesday by fellow Utah Republican Rep. Rob Bishop.

Despite the legislative committee's chairman, Rep. Roger Barrus, R-Centerville, saying that Hatch and Bishop were there to answer questions about what challenges they face in shaping energy policy, the hearing was little more than a pep rally for oil-shale development.

The House Republican Caucus later moved unanimously to send a letter to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., urging him to take the position that the state wants to tap its natural resources on public lands, particularly oil shale, for energy sources as soon as possible.