Freedom at the Pump: Independence from High Gas Prices

As we reflect on the recent July 4^th celebration, perhaps it is time to consider a new type of independence: freedom from high gas prices. Gas prices across the country have skyrocketed this summer, topping an astounding $2.00 a gallon in some areas. In North Carolina, motorists have been forced to pay an average of $1.42 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, an increase of nearly forty-seven cents over prices a year ago.

As a result of the White House’s decision to ignore the prevailing problem of high gas prices, consumers are now forced to suffer the consequences. The crisis we are now facing is a direct result of ineffective leadership. Talk is cheap; gasoline is not. Despite warnings of rising gasoline prices and increasing dependence on foreign oil supplies, the White House has failed to create a solid National Energy Policy to plan for America’s future fuel needs.

What the current administration has done, however, is create a barrage of bureaucratic red tape and EPA restrictions that drive up the cost of gasoline production. In 1980, the price of a barrel of oil was $31.00 and the price of a gallon of gas was $1.10. Today, the price of a barrel of oil is still $31.00 while the price of a gallon of gas is over $2.00 due in large part to new government regulations. In fact, it was Al Gore who championed a 50 cent increase in the gas tax in an attempt to help save the environment at the expense of the consumer.

Perhaps the most serious cause of rising gas prices is America’s alarming dependence on foreign oil. Just over nine years ago the United States fought in the Persian Gulf War, in which 147 American servicemen gave their lives. Yet, despite this great sacrifice, we still rely on these nations for fuel. Our dependency on foreign oil is at an all-time high while domestic oil production is down 17% since the beginning of the Clinton Administration.

Fresh from a celebration of American independence, we should make a commitment to end our dependence on foreign oil producers. We must develop our own resources and increase domestic oil production so that we are freed from this vicious cycle of exorbitant gas prices once and for all. Untapped resources at home have the potential to provide our nation with over 152 billion barrels of oil, enough to satisfy domestic consumption for many years and dramatically reduce our need for imported oil. Additionally, my colleagues and I are now considering the temporary suspension of portions of the 18.4 cent fuel tax to provide tangible relief that motorists can enjoy now.

High gasoline prices hurt us all. Families must carefully budget their driving vacations, and commuters are forced to pay through their teeth at the pumps. Schools already facing tight budgets must cope with transportation costs that have increased 56% due to rising fuel prices. The elderly and those on fixed incomes are also hit hard when vital programs such as Meals-On-Wheels are forced to reduce services due to high gasoline prices. Farmers fueling their equipment and truck drivers fueling rigs are also feeling the strain as they try and earn a living. For everyone, rising gasoline prices mean slower economic growth and reduced prosperity and opportunity. As your representative, I feel that all consumers deserve freedom from these soaring fuel costs, and I will continue to fight for your rights as a consumer.