Newsletter: 08/04/2014
Statement
Dear Friends,
As South Floridians continue to suffer from high gas prices, we must look for innovative ways to alleviate the burden at the pump. So far, we have been fortunate that the turmoil in the Middle East and Russia has yet to drive gas prices even higher. Despite this bit of luck, it is clear that American cannot rely on foreign sources of energy. We must make the policy changes necessary to take advantage of our plentiful supplies at home, improve our energy security, and drive down the price at the pump.
I recently introduced one simple policy change, along with my colleagues, U.S. Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Matt Salmon (R-AZ), called the Fuel Choice for American Prosperity and Security Act. This bill would provide automakers the option of rolling back costly fuel economy obligations if at least half of their future vehicle fleets can operate on any technology in addition to or instead of petroleum-based fuel. This simple legislative change incentivizes free market competition for transportation fuels, providing additional options at the pump and driving down the costs for consumers, all without government mandate or the picking of winners and losers. Critically, it also dampens the impact of oil price volatility and reduces the leverage of oil rich governments and rogue regimes that are unstable, repressive, or hostile to the United States.
I am also pleased to support the North American Energy Infrastructure Act, which will make the permitting process for cross-border pipeline construction more efficient, and the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, which will help expedite the approval process for our nation's liquid natural gas exports. Too often, excessive government regulation gets in the way of the kind of public policy that would improve our energy and national security, create jobs, and lower the price of fuel for consumers. We cannot allow entrenched interests and hyperbolic rhetoric to get in the way of the common sense solutions South Florida's families deserve. I am proud to champion innovative policies that would make our country safer, lower gas prices, and grow the economy, and look forward to hearing your ideas as we work together for a better South Florida.
Sincerely,
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Member of Congress
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