Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on his opposition to the Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005 (H.R. 3893). The bill barely passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 212 to 210.

“Two months ago Congress passed sweeping energy legislation that was both controversial and hotly debated.  I supported that bill because it took steps in the right direction on conservation and renewable energy sources. It also stood in the way of Enron’s ability to further exploit Northwest ratepayers.

“I will oppose today’s energy bill because it takes us steps in the wrong direction.

“To increase our country’s energy security, this bill should decrease our dependence on foreign oil.  It does not.

“To strengthen our energy security, this bill should aggressively encourage conservation and renewable energy sources. It does not.

“Because it does neither, this bill will do little in the short or long term to drive down fuel prices and make us more secure.

“If we are going to increase refinery capacity, we should not do so at the expense of basic clean air provisions.  Instead, we should encourage more industry competition, so that it is more profitable for the industry to increase refining capacity.

“This energy bill gives unfair subsidies to oil companies at taxpayer expense. During an era of high-energy prices, this is the last type of benefit that these companies need.

“I voted for the democratic substitute that would have provided consumers with real relief through tough and effective anti-price-gouging measures for gasoline and home heating costs.

“I voted against the Gasoline for America’s Security Act because it is bad policy and will harm, not help, taxpayers’ economic security.”