Kirk Outlines Six-Point Plan to Reduce Gas Prices
Press Release
Kirk Outlines Six-Point Plan to Reduce Gas Prices
With more than 32.1 million Americans expected to hit the road during the Memorial Day weekend and the price of a gallon of regular gasoline reaching $3.75 in the northern suburbs, U.S. Representative Mark Kirk outlined the need for congressional action on six policies to help reduce the price of gasoline. The six policies include:
1. Ending local fuel monopolies
2. Expanding the number of gasoline refineries
3. Increasing America's fuel economy by 50 percent
4. Continuing tax credits for hybrid cars
5. Increasing E85 deployment
6. Supporting the advancement of other alternative fuels and vehicles.
"Federal action is needed to help lower gas prices," Congressman Kirk said. "Congress should end boutique fuels monopolies and expand refineries serving the Midwest. We need bipartisan action to increase conservation and promote the production of American-made fuels."
Joining Kirk at a local gas station were scientists from Argonne National Laboratory who displayed an experimental plug-in hybrid car that is estimated to get more than 100 miles per gallon while the vehicle runs primarily on the battery. Unlike current gas-powered vehicles or hybrids, the modified Saturn Vue Green Line's two powertrains allow the vehicle to operate electrically at highway speeds with a range of 20 miles before a drop of gas is necessary. The car can run in three modes: 1) all-electric, 2) conventional hybrid, or 3) blended gas/electric hybrid mode.
"Technologies like Argonne National Laboratory's plug-in hybrid car will help America achieve energy independence," Congressman Kirk said. "We now import nearly twice the amount of crude oil that we produce. Fuel-efficient and alternative-energy vehicles are some of the best ways to limit our dependence on foreign oil and preserve our environment. We need to continue to support research institutions like Argonne, and encourage consumers to purchase these technologies."
The six-point plan is detailed below.
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