Issue Position: Lowering Gas Prices, Moving Toward Energy Independence

Issue Position

Congressman Altmire believes that our nation needs to take a new direction on energy policy. For far too long we have been dependant on foreign oil to meet our energy needs. This dependence threatens our security, hurts our economy and is costing families more and more at the pump. Congressman Altmire supports policies that will reduce gas prices, invest in alternative sources of energy such as nuclear and coal, and increase our energy independence.

Working Together to Solve America's Energy Crisis

On July 31, Congressman Altmire joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing a comprehensive energy package to address America's energy crisis. The bipartisan legislation would open up new areas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) for drilling and provide an historic investment in developing alternative forms of energy. The National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act (H.R. 6709) repeals the 125-mile moratorium on gas and oil production in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. With the royalties generated from the production of oil from these new areas, the bill would invest an estimated $1 trillion in the research and development of alternative sources of energy - including coal, nuclear, solar, and wind - to move us away from our dependency on foreign oil.

Drilling for More Domestic Oil

Increasing the supply of domestic oil needs to be one part of our strategy to reduce gas prices. Congressman Altmire supports increased domestic drilling and voted for the Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act (H.R. 6251) to encourage the oil and gas companies to fully utilize the 68 million acres of currently leased, but inactive lands. The House Natural Resources Committee estimates that the 68 million acres could produce up to 4.8 million barrels of oil a day - nearly double the current production of domestic oil. This oil could be in production within three to five years, compared to production in new areas such as the Artic National Wildlife Refuge that are at least ten years away, according to the Department of Energy.

Lowering Gas Prices

With gas prices at a record high of over $4 per gallon, Congressman Altmire supports three steps to immediately provide relief to consumers. We should suspend shipments of oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), stop OPEC nations from colluding to drive up the price of oil, and prevent manipulation and excessive speculation of oil futures. The House has acted on all three of these proposals by passing the SPR Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 6022), the Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act (H.R. 6074), and the Energy Markets Emergency Act (H.R. 6377). The SPR Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act became law on May 19, 2008. Together, these three steps are projected to reduce the average price per barrel by $20 to $30.

Investing in Nuclear and Coal Technologies

Western Pennsylvania's vast coal resources and strong nuclear industry are a tremendous source of economic growth for our region and investment in them will make America more energy independent. Congressman Altmire supports the construction of new nuclear reactors and additional funding for clean coal technologies, such as carbon capture and sequestration. Additionally, Congressman Altmire is working with the University of Pittsburgh and local energy companies to address workforce needs by creating new electrical, mining, and nuclear engineering courses.

Reducing Demand, Raising the Fuel Efficiency of Cars

Increasing our energy independence will reduce gas prices and make our nation more secure. In 2007, Congress took action to make us more energy independent by passing the Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6). This legislation raises the fuel efficiency standard for cars (from 27 mpg) and trucks (from 22 mpg) to 35 miles per gallon - the first increase in more than 30 years, requires that 36 billion gallons of biofuels be used in gasoline by 2022, and sets increased efficiency standards for buildings, homes, lights, and appliances. The Energy Independence and Security Act was signed into law on December 19, 2007. When fully implemented, it will save the average American family up to $1,000 a year at the pump and reduce our nation's oil consumption by 4 million barrels per day, nearly twice the amount we import from the Persian Gulf.

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