It’s places like NREL that are essential to decreasing our nation’s gas costs and weaning us from dependence on foreign oil. Instead of refusing to address our rising fuel prices, Congress must support commonsense proposals like the Promoting New American Energy Act, to provide relief for America’s hurting families.
Currently, we are the only country in the world that discourages the use of its own energy resources. Instead of increasing the production of wind, solar and other alternatives and instead of accessing vast reserves of domestic oil and natural gas, we have been forced to import 10 million barrels of crude oil and 1.3 million barrels of refined gasoline every day to meet our energy needs. The United States has the ability to be energy independent. And, we have the knowledge and expertise to procure and refine these products, get them to the pump, and create thousands of American jobs in the process.
Sadly, rather than allowing a vote on legislation to increase domestic energy exploration, the Democrat-led Congress closed down the House and adjourned for August vacation. With the American people unable to afford to go on vacations of their own – due to rising food and gas costs- Congress arrogantly ignored their cries for help.
The fact of the matter is that Congress needs to stop obstructing the way to reasonable energy costs. It’s imperative that Washington end its political games and get behind efforts to make a difference. American ingenuity and our innate thirst for innovation are two of our most powerful weapons in this crisis. If Congress provides American businesses with the tools needed to encourage investment, to support research, and increase production, we can lower our current sky-rocketing energy costs. The United States has the resources available to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and bring gas costs back down to $2 a gallon. We need the political will to do it.