Seasonally February typically brings some of the year’s lowest fuel prices, however last month that was not the case as the national average rose to $3.59 a gallon, making it the highest February average ever. With oil climbing to $106 per barrel and gasoline surpassing $3.59 a gallon, our fuel prices are not yet at crippling levels, but they seem headed in that direction.
Last Thursday at the University of Miami, President Obama told a crowd of hundreds of students that “there are no quick fixes to [our energy] problem and you know we can’t just drill our way to lower prices.”
The President’s argument is spot on; however, the problem is he has failed to pass any policies that even attempt to fix things.
The paperwork for the Keystone XL pipeline – a project that would create tens of thousands of jobs and help our nation achieve energy independence – has been in approval purgatory for almost as long as the President has been in office and he has inexplicably delayed and denied its approval.
At a time when our nation is facing economic hardship, it is unacceptable to increase the cost of energy, ship jobs overseas, and relentlessly restrict the production of American-made energy. Furthermore, I strongly oppose the President’s decision to deny the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline not only because he is passing on an opportunity to increase our access to resources here at home, but that he is failing to utilize a relationship with one of our strongest allies that will lessen our dependence on oil from unfriendly nations and provide a much needed economic boost.
Nevertheless, the President has found time to support and implement policies that have restricted our ability to access America’s vast energy resources, slowed our economic recovery, stifle job creation, and in sum weaken our nation’s capacity to reach energy independence.
While the era of abundant energy from non-fossil fuels that is affordable and sustainable remains many years, it is critical that in the meantime America pursue a balanced, comprehensive energy strategy that focuses on increased domestic production of oil and natural gas, investment in renewable energy sources, and the promotion of conservation.
During the 112th Congress, the House of Representatives passed multiple bills that will reduce regulatory burdens, prevent increased taxes on energy producers, streamline the permit approval process for energy exploration off the coast of Alaska and put an end to the Administration’s de facto drilling moratorium along the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, a lack of leadership from the Administration and the Democrat lead Senate has not yet brought these pro-growth, pro-American energy bills up for consideration.
While I am disappointed by the President’s decisions and the inaction in the Senate to secure a path for American energy independence, I will remain committed to working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to move these jobs-creating projects forward.
