Herger Calls on Speaker Pelosi to Reveal ‘Commonsense Plan' to Lower Gas Prices

Press Release

Congressman Wally Herger today called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to reveal her "commonsense plan" to lower gas prices, which she promised in 2006. Gas prices have risen by about $1.30 since Speaker Pelosi took power on January 4, 2007 promising a plan. Prices for regular unleaded have hit $4 in some parts of Northern California. Herger issued the following statement about the $1.30 "Pelosi Premium." Click here to listen to his radio actuality on the issue:

"With gas prices steadily rising and exceeding four dollars a gallon in many parts of our area, Northern Californians are undoubtedly wondering whether relief will ever come. Record energy prices are taking a heavy toll on North State families, truckers, and farmers. The price at the pump has only gotten higher—by about $1.30 per gallon—since Speaker Nancy Pelosi came to power promising a ‘commonsense plan' to lower prices. I think it's time for Speaker Pelosi to finally reveal her ‘plan' to reduce gas prices.

"Central to the majority's energy policy to date is raising taxes on U.S. energy manufacturers and imposing government controls on the market. The costs associated with these actions would only be transferred to consumers. This misguided approach will do nothing to lower gas prices and could make prices even higher. The majority also calls for more renewable energy and conservation. I support many of these efforts, but it's clear that renewable supplies will never meet more than one-fifth of our growing energy needs, and that we simply can't conserve our way out of this costly energy crunch.

"Skyrocketing gas prices are largely the result of a stagnant supply of oil being unable to match a surging global demand. The commonsense response to this costly dynamic is to increase American-made energy supplies and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I have long advocated for allowing environmentally-responsible energy development in ANWR and in deep-ocean energy areas along the Outer Continental Shelf. I have also supported efforts to expand our nation's maxed-out refinery capacity, and to develop more nuclear energy, which is clean and supplies 70% of electricity in some European countries. Unfortunately, Congress has repeatedly blocked these much-needed initiatives. The American people are paying for this inaction at the pump."

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