July 29, 2008

Congressman Meeks Blasts Results Of The Republican Energy Plan

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Washington: Since President Bush took office, the price of oil has increased from less than $30 per barrel to a recent record high of nearly $150, and the price of gasoline has risen from $1.47 per gallon to $4.10 per gallon. “Ninety-percent of the Bush-Cheney energy plan is in place—and the price of oil has increased more than four-fold since 2001. With gas prices averaging $4.10 per gallon, President Bush and House Republicans continue to oppose legislation to combat price gouging and force oil companies to drill on the land they already control. Democrats have a comprehensive energy strategy to lower energy costs, make America more energy independent, promote clean American renewable fuels, spur more efficient technology, and create millions of high-skilled green jobs,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6).

Late last week, as the Bush administration’s own Energy Information Agency reported a worldwide oil supply and demand shortfall, House Democrats continue to urge the President to take action to bring down the cost of gasoline. House Democrats have been working during the last 18 months to address the 12 years of irresponsible Republican energy policy in the Congress, which has been heightened by the inaction of the Bush Administration.

Most recently, House Democrats have:

• Approved legislation to reduce fares for mass transit – the Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008 – to help Americans struggling with high gas prices, and reduce demand for foreign oil, which can in turn affect price.

• Approved the Energy Markets Emergency Act which directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to examine excessive oil speculation and use their emergency powers to take corrective action.

The House also continues to build on the work of the landmark Energy Independence and Security Act which will transition the American economy to more efficient vehicles, and increase affordable American bio-fuel production and reduce our dependence on foreign fuels. House Republicans have sided with Big Republicans blocked the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act, or “Use it or Lose it” legislation, which forces oil companies to produce oil and gas, or diligently develop, the 68 million acres of public land they already have leased.

“Republicans have opposed legislation that will prevent price gouging by unscrupulous companies and are blocking fiscally responsible legislation to extend tax credits to the American renewable energy industry—powerful incentives that will retain and create hundreds of thousands of high-skill jobs and spur innovation and technologies that will transition America off foreign oil. At a time when the American people need help, this Congress can’t afford the politics of distraction and inaction,” said Congressman Meeks.

###