Cranberry Township, PA - Today marks one month since the national average for the price of a gallon of gas hit $4.00.  As Congress returns from its week-long vacation after a month of doing nothing to ease the pain at the pump the average price of gasoline has now reached an all-time high of $4.11 per gallon. 

 

"I'm skeptical that any steps will be taken in this final congressional session before summer break that will help to reduce gas prices.  Jason Altmire and his House leaders have yet to begin even talking about expanding American exploration or increasing American production capabilities.  The topic of energy is not even on the Pelosi agenda this week.  Priorities in Washington are completely out of sync with what Americans need," stated Melissa Hart.

 

According to the Washington Post, Capitol Briefing, July 7, 2008:

 

"The House has a considerably lighter week on tap, as the chamber will consider dozens of uncontroversial bills on the suspension calendar and will also take a measure requiring the preservation of White House e-mails and bills creating a new national historic trail in New York and a new section of 'National Wild and Scenic Rivers' in Massachusetts." 

 

"Altmire continues to recite the Speaker Pelosi talking points about forcing companies to drill on 68 million acres they have leased where resources are lacking.  He persists in promoting sham "use it or use it" legislation to end such leases as a way to increase domestic supply and make our country less dependent on foreign sources.  This would do nothing and is in fact already law." 

 

Hart added, "Demanding that oil companies drill on the 68 million acres which do not contain significant resources is not a solution. It is simply a continuation of shameless political posturing.  Congress must permit responsible drilling for oil and natural gas in the most promising areas - ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf."

 

Currently exploration is off limits on 97% or 1.7 billion acres of the United States Outer Continental Shelf and 94% or 658 million acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

 

"America needs more supply, we need more refining capabilities and we need it NOW.  An overwhelming majority of the country supports expansion of domestic drilling.  It's time for Altmire to start listening to people that elected him, not his Washington DC leaders," said Hart

 

According to a recent CNN/Opinion Research poll, 73% of Americans favor an expansion of offshore drilling for oil and natural gas in currently off-limits U.S. waters. 

 

"Altmire has said NO to responsible drilling in ANWR, NO to exploration off our coasts, NO to opening other federal lands, and NO to new refineries.  The 'no we can't' approach is the wrong mind-set for our Congressman.  Increasing domestic supply and pursuing the best alternatives for our energy future should be a priority mission for America.  When this country comes together and makes this a priority, it can be done quickly and safely." 

 

"Each day the Congress wastes is another day that families, farmers, charities and business owners will continue to struggle with their increasing bills. There is no end in sight for truckers, delivery businesses, airlines, etc.  The big challenges are only beginning now for those who use oil to heat their homes." 

 

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