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Ellsworth: 'Congress Must do More' as Hoosiers Struggle with Rising Gas Prices

Date: March 13, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Energy Natural Resources


ELLSWORTH: ‘CONGRESS MUST DO MORE' AS HOOSIERS STRUGGLE WITH RISING GAS PRICES

As the price for gasoline surged over the past two weeks, Rep. Brad Ellsworth today reiterated his support for alternative and home-grown energy sources to curb the nation's reliance on foreign oil and bring down energy costs for Hoosiers.

"As we begin to enter the summer driving season, we're only going to see the numbers at the pump increasing," said Ellsworth. "We cannot end this ugly cycle until we begin to break our addiction to foreign oil. Congress must do more to meet this goal."

According to the American Automobile Association, Hoosiers are paying an average of $2.51 per gallon of gasoline. The figure represents a 79% increase since 2001. At the same time, oil company profits have been on the rise. In February, Exxon Mobile announced record profits of $39.5 billion - the largest annual profit figure in U.S. history. During the first 100 hours of the legislative session, Ellsworth voted to cut government subsidies to the large oil companies and instead invest in home-grown energy and conservation.

"It's a matter of priorities. It's unreasonable for Congress to give away billions of dollars in government subsidies to companies that are already making record profits," said Ellsworth. "Instead, we should be investing in ways to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, look within our borders to meet our energy needs, and bring down prices for American consumers."

From his position on the House Agriculture Committee, which has jurisdiction over energy and bio-based energy production, Ellsworth will be looking for ways to increase federal investment in home-grown energy sources.

"Indiana farmers are at the forefront in developing home-grown energy sources, but they need our support with increased investment," said Ellsworth. "As we consider the Farm Bill and other pieces of legislation before the Ag Committee, I will be looking for ways to strengthen our farming communities and protect Hoosiers at the pump."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/hearing/in08_ellsworth/gaspricehelpts031307.html

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