For Immediate Release:
Friday, October 7, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C - Following a vote today on additional energy legislation, U.S. Representative Dan Boren emphasized the need to give Oklahoma families relief at gas pumps. 

 

“I absolutely agree that this nation should be thinking long term about a comprehensive energy policy, but my constituents are calling for immediate relief,” Boren said.     

 

Boren voted for a comprehensive energy package (H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act) passed by Congress in June, but did not support today’s measure.  “Oklahomans are being hit hard by prices at the pump – paying a premium for gasoline and diesel fuel. Now, we’re being told to brace ourselves for high heating costs this winter,” Boren said.

“Affordable gasoline is a necessity for Eastern Oklahomans, many of whom drive long distances everyday to jobs that don’t pay more just because gas prices go up,” Boren said.

Boren is concerned about winter heating costs.  “This bill fails to deal with natural gas and propane costs, even though they are forecast to continue rising sharply this winter.  Natural gas prices could shoot up as much as 71 percent in some areas of the country,” Boren said.

 

Boren also contends that H.R. 3893 does nothing to encourage further domestic production.  “We need an energy policy that puts Oklahoma’s independent oil and gas producers first,” Boren said. “This bill does nothing to promote exploration for smaller, more independent producers and offset the hit that natural gas businesses will take this winter,” Boren explained.      

 

“Consumers, local schools, and small businesses are all suffering from skyrocketing fuel costs.  Its time to do something to address this crisis now – not 20 years from now,” Boren said. 

 

H.R. 3893 passed the House by a vote of 212-210, and now awaits Senate consideration.

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