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Capito Wants Congress to Take Action on Gas Prices

Date: April 11, 2005
Location: Charleston, WV
Issues: Oil and Gas


Capito Wants Congress to Take Action on Gas Prices
4/11/2005

High Gas Prices Drive West Virginians to Feel Pinch at the Pump

CHARLESTON, WV - (4/11) - Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) joined local commuters and business officials today at her office on MacCorkle Avenue to discuss how Congressional passage of an Energy Bill can lower the cost of skyrocketing gasoline prices, which reached a new record high average for West Virginia last Friday of $2.29 a gallon for regular unleaded. (Source: AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, April 11, 2005)

"We are seeing gas prices skyrocket because of our nation's heavy dependence on foreign oil," noted Capito. "The gas we pump into our automobiles travels thousands of miles from countries like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia before it arrives at a gas station. High gas prices hit a motorist right in the wallet and they drive up the cost of doing business for West Virginia firms. I am a supporter of the Energy Bill because it will help West Virginians save money and spur our economy along."

"Passage of a comprehensive Energy Bill that utilizes northern Alaska's vast petroleum resources would be a major step towards keeping gasoline prices stable and would reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil."

Capito outlined other reasons for high gas prices, "Complex rules and regulations have caused the number oil refineries operated in the United States to drop from 324 in 1981 to 153 in 2002. Fewer refineries means less oil is available for sale and a greater cost to consumers. Simplifying the regulations would allow for new refineries to be constructed."

"On top of this problem, regional air quality standards require refineries to produce different grades of gasoline throughout the country known as "boutique fuels" that cost more money to bring to market. The same type of gasoline that is sold in California is different than the gasoline sold in West Virginia. Simplifying air quality standards, while still protecting our health, would allow refineries to produce more affordable gasoline."

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=68&whichone=pr

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