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Capito Urges Senate Action on Measures to Lower Energy Costs

Date: March 16, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Energy Natural Resources


Capito Urges Senate Action on Measures to Lower Energy Costs
03/16/05

Vote Comes as Gas Prices Rise Over $2.00 a Gallon in West Virginia

WASHINGTON, DC (3/16) With gasoline prices in West Virginia skyrocketing over $2.00 a gallon, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) is once again advocating for passage of a comprehensive Energy Bill and oil exploration in northern Alaska to lessen America's dependence on foreign sources of oil and support the over 15,000 West Virginians on the job today working in the Mountain State's petroleum industry.

"Higher gas prices strap the family budget," noted Capito, who has been a staunch supporter of passing a comprehensive Energy Bill and voted to allow oil exploration in Alaska 4 times. "I strongly urge the U.S. Senate act swiftly on a comprehensive Energy Bill to lessen America's dependence on foreign oil. They could take a tremendous step forward by allowing Alaskan Oil Exploration. Allowing for oil exploration in northern Alaska will help reduce the price at the pump as well as bolster West Virginia firms that provide the gear and equipment needed for the new oil exploration. Standing in the way of the Energy Bill or the new oil exploration is an insult to every West Virginia motorist or worker impacted by energy prices."

According to the American Automobile Association gas prices have risen by 11.5 cents last week and 2.7 cents this week pushing the average price of unleaded, self serve gasoline to $2.06 in West Virginia.

During her recent travels through out West Virginia, Congresswoman Capito has heard the outrage of motorists who have to pay more at the pump because the nation is too dependent on foreign sources of oil.

"It is crystal clear people are outraged about the high prices at the pump. You don't have go too far to find a West Virginian who wants action now to lower the cost at the pump and reduce American dependence on foreign oil."

The U.S. Senate is set to vote this afternoon whether or not to allow oil exploration in northern Alaska.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=64&whichone=pr

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