Addressing high gas prices through policy

KEY QUOTE:  “A few months ago, [House Republicans] launched the American Energy Initiative which is a plan to help address soaring gas prices and create new jobs by increasing energy production.  Under the American Energy Initiative, we are working to stop government policies that are driving up gas prices and taking important steps to increase the supply of American energy.”

Addressing high gas prices through policy
By John Boehner
Piqua Daily Call
May 11, 2011

Ohio families and small businesses are caught in the grip of rising gas prices, and frustrations are mounting. This week, fears were heightened when the average gas price in Ohio hit a new high of over $4 per gallon. Well, the new House majority is listening and we are working hard on common sense solutions to increase the supply of American energy in order to lower costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create jobs.  

A few months ago, we launched the American Energy Initiative which is a plan to help address soaring gas prices and create new jobs by increasing energy production.  Under the American Energy Initiative, we are working to stop government policies that are driving up gas prices and taking important steps to increase the supply of American energy. 

Last month, the House passed the first American Energy Initiative legislation, the Energy Tax Prevention Act.  This common-sense legislation prevents the EPA from imposing a “cap and trade” national energy tax that will drive prices up even further and destroy American jobs.  We promised that this legislation would be just the beginning and this week the People’s House took action.

On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act, American Energy Initiative legislation to help address soaring gas prices and create new jobs by moving forward on energy projects the Obama Administration has either delayed or canceled.  This legislation requires the Secretary of the Interior to move forward and conduct offshore energy lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Virginia in order to increase American energy supply.  The very need for legislation to move forward on projects that have already been approved shows just how far behind Washington is when it comes to expanding American energy production. 

So we intend to do more.  As I write this, we’re preparing to pass legislation that will continue to take skyrocketing gas prices head on.  For example, we will be discussing H.R. 1229, the Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act.  This legislation would end the de facto moratorium on American energy production in the Gulf of Mexico in a safe, responsible and transparent manner by setting firm timelines for considering permits to drill. 

Each piece of legislation the House passes is one more way to address unbearable gas prices but unfortunately our colleagues across the aisle remain fixated on raising taxes.  We know that raising taxes will only drive up prices further and push our economy backwards. This is not a solution.  House Republicans are going to continue to push forward with real solutions and I will continue to pressure the Senate and the President to join us in supporting these important pieces of legislation.  

I know that families across the Eighth District are struggling to make ends meet during these difficult economic times and for me, sitting by and doing nothing while gas prices reach new highs is simply not an option.  I invite you to “Like” the American Energy Initiative on Facebook to follow our progress and to share your opinions, suggestions, and stories.  Though we only control one-third of one-half of the federal government, we are going to make sure your voice is heard by all in Washington and continue to fight for the type of action you need at home.

Read more at John Boehner for Congres