Rising gas prices: Energy solutions are needed, not excuses
Rising gas prices: Energy solutions are needed, not excuses

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By Sen. Jim Inhofe

Published: May 25, 2008

As Oklahomans travel this Memorial Day weekend, one thing is certain — they will feel the pressure of skyrocketing gas prices. Prices at the pump have never been higher nationwide, and most Americans will pay nearly $4 for a gallon of gasoline this weekend. Four dollars. At a time when American families are already feeling the strain of rising food and consumer prices, $4 a gallon is certainly hard to swallow.

As many Washington politicians return home to face understandably disgruntled constituents this weekend, no doubt there will be plenty of finger pointing. But Oklahomans and Americans want and deserve solutions, not excuses.

Recently, I joined with several Republican colleagues to introduce legislation aimed at addressing these shortcomings, seeking to decrease the price of energy by exploring and developing offshore and Alaskan resources. This bill also includes legislation I authored that would improve the permitting process for construction and expansion of domestic refining capacity. It also invests in research for environmentally friendly energy sources that Oklahoma leads the nation in developing, like cellulosic biofuels. This would help put an end to outsourcing of American jobs, as well as provide much-needed economic relief to Americans suffering from today's energy prices.

Unfortunately, there are many in Washington who would take another approach — one that seeks to raise taxes, block production, increase regulations and call for investigations. In fact, in the first week of June, these same interests will be asking the American public to consider cap-and-trade climate legislation, which, aside from its overarching bad policy, would have the effect of increasing the cost of gas by 41 cents to $1 a gallon. You can be assured I will lead the fight against this disastrous legislation, and Americans nationwide should be outraged and encourage their elected officials to do the same.

As an energy state, Oklahomans understand that the best way to address soaring energy prices is to take advantage of domestic energy resources such as oil, natural gas, nuclear and wind power, and clean coal technologies. Each is essential to securing an American energy supply that is stable, diverse and affordable. Unfortunately, recent energy legislation signed into law failed to address this reality, and has failed to deliver relief for consumers nationwide. Increased government regulations coupled with self-serving political interests have prevented using America's numerous domestic energy sources. Consequently, we are increasingly dependent on foreign energy production, allowing others the ability to undermine our economic security and dictate energy prices.

Four dollars a gallon. It's time for solutions. Our nation is blessed with an abundance of the same natural resources we are currently importing at a premium. This comes at an unacceptable cost to our national and economic security, as well as the pocketbooks of all Oklahoma families. It is time to take advantage of these resources and relieve Americans from avoidable economic pains.