(Washington, DC) Today Congressman Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) released this statement following comments made this morning by President Bush on energy policy:
“The President continues to be a one-trick-pony with the same short-sighted and failed energy policy that has brought record gas prices. By suggesting that the best way to deal with gas prices is domestic drilling, the President showed again today that he is out of touch with the real struggles of hard-working Americans. Drilling has already increased dramatically since 2000 – the number of oil wells on land has increased about 66 percent – and yet the price of gasoline has more than doubled since President Bush took office. Coloradans have seen a 130% increase in their gas prices since this President took the helm. In large part, because of this Administration’s failed policies at home and abroad, hard-working Coloradans are paying record prices while oil companies continue to log record profits. This President might want to stay this same failed course, but it is wrong and it needs to change.
“In the short-term, President Bush should temporarily suspend purchases of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Contrary to the President’s assertion, the American people would benefit from suspending these government purchases. It could reduce gas prices by five to 24 cents a gallon – a critical first step for America’s families, businesses, and the economy. The SPR has been tapped to effective result previously by President Bush after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and by Presidents before him. In 2000, this action brought the price of oil down by one-third – from $30 to $20 per barrel.
“In the long-term we need to repeal subsidies for profit-rich Big Oil companies so that we can invest in a renewable energy future. By making America more energy independent we will lower our energy costs, grow our economy and enhance our national security.”
To contact the Udall press office, call Tara Trujillo at 720-333-3425 or Heather Fox at 303-725-6595.