Republicans Are Working to Address Energy Needs

REPUBLICANS ARE WORKING TO ADDRESS ENERGY NEEDS

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans are continuing to work to lower the cost of gasoline over the mid and long-term.

On Wednesday, House Republicans passed the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act to help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. Despite our country's increasing demand for fuel, the United States has not built an oil refinery in over 30 years. Total capacity of current refineries is roughly 17 million barrels per day, while demand is nearly 21 million barrels per day.

We cannot continue this trend of using more refined petroleum products than we produce. It is vital that we move away from our dependence on foreign sources to fill this gap. I am pleased that this week's long overdue legislation helps remove red tape preventing construction of new refineries.

House Republicans have also taken other actions to ban price gouging, promote conservation efforts, reduce the cost of energy, encourage the use of alternative power sources and improve our electricity transmission capability.

Republicans have also repeatedly supported legislation to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration.

And the Democrats? They have voted ``no'' on nearly every measure that would offer relief to hardworking Americans.

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