U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole has joined a bipartisan group pushing energy reform.

Originally called the "Gang of 10," the group has grown to 10 Republican and 10 Democratic senators pushing the New Energy Reform Act of 2008.

The bill would open additional land in the Gulf of Mexico to offshore drilling and allow North Carolina and other states to decide whether to allow drilling. 

It would also provide tax credits for the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles, invest $15 billion in research and development of alternative fuel vehicles and support nuclear energy.

"For many months, I have been urging my colleagues to lay down their arms and work together to achieve a bipartisan solution to address high gas prices and our nation's dangerous dependence on foreign oil," said Dole in a statement.

In early August, Dole said she would support the bill, but she did not join the "gang" of senators promoting it.

Her Democratic opponent, state Sen. Kay Hagan, also supports the legislation. 

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and Democratic rival Kay Hagan both back the "Gang of 10."

The two rivals in the North Carolina Senate race both say they support a compromise energy proposal put forward on Friday by a bipartisan group of 10 senators.  

The proposal would allow for drilling off the coast of North Carolina and other states, encourage conservation and promote tax credits for alternative car fuels.

In a press release Monday, Hagan said she supports the plan.

"While the bill is not perfect, I have learned during my time in the Senate that compromise and consensus are necessary if we are to get anything done," she said in a statement.

Today, Dole's camp fired back, charging that there is no bill yet.

"She's telling us to sign onto a bill that doesn't exist," said spokesman Hogan Gidley, adding that Dole supports the idea.

Hagan's campaign noted that Sen. John Thune, among others, described the proposal as a "bill" on his Web site.

"Whether you call it a bill or a proposal or idea, it's out there," said Hagan spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan.

Previously, Hagan had opposed offshore drilling in North Carolina, while Dole changed positions to support it.