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March 22,
2000
(WASHINGTON,
DC) - Congressman Herger voted for legislation to help reduce the recent
dramatic increases in gas prices. The legislation, the Oil Price Reduction
Act, clarifies United States policies in relation to other oil-exporting
nations and requires the president to investigate if any of those nations
are engaging in oil price fixing, a probable factor in rising gas
prices.
In 1999, nations of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) limited their production of crude oil. Since that time,
oil and gas prices have risen dramatically. Until recently, the
Clinton-Gore Administration has done nothing to combat the rising costs.
In fact, Energy Secretary Bill Richardson was quoted in a February 16
Associated Press article as saying, "It is obvious that the federal
government was not prepared. We were caught napping."
"These
outrageous gas prices are having a disastrous effect on our Northern
California economy," said Herger. "Families, farmers and small businesses
are among those hardest hit by this crisis. With summer only a few months
away, I am also concerned how high gas prices will affect our recreational
and tourism industries.
"Northern Californians deserve relief,"
Herger continued. "This legislation requires President Clinton to directly
address a key factor contributing to this gas crisis: oil price fixing by
foreign nations. The United States must refuse to accept these inflated
gas prices."
The Oil Price Reduction Act requires President Clinton
to determine in 30 days if any OPEC nations are engaging in oil price
fixing. The bill requires the Administration to negotiate the reduction,
suspension or termination of foreign aid and arms sales to the offending
nations. Finally, it calls for the president to report to Congress
describing his actions against oil price fixing and the results of his
efforts.
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