No politics, just a reflection on our oil dependancy.
Quote"July 11, 2007 Unsubscribe Update My Profile
Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D. - The 7th District of Louisiana
Website | About Charles | Contact | Latest News | Issues | Constituent Services | Committees
In my conversations with my constituents in the Seventh District, I’ve heard time and time again that people are frustrated with the high price of gasoline. I understand the financial hardship these inflated prices place on working families, and I’m working to bring balance and reality to the debate.
Earlier this summer, the House passed a bill that will allow for controls on the price of gas at the pump. While compulsory protection from rising prices may seem like a welcome solution, history has shown that price controls do not work. In the 1970s, the federal government imposed price controls on gasoline in an attempt to shield American consumers from rising prices. These measures resulted in mass rationing, long lines at the pump, and consumer outrage. If a price is fixed artificially low, it’s just not worth it for companies to try and deliver more goods to the market. We need solutions to our energy problems, but price controls are not the answer.
Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have hastily introduced legislation to pacify distressed Americans calling for action, but the plans they offer are not economically or socially responsible. The energy plans they offer call for more regulation, higher taxes and fewer choices. The real key to lowering prices at the pump is decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
The oil market landscape has drastically changed with the rapid economic expansion in Russia, India and, most notably, China. Currently, national oil companies control almost 90 percent of global oil reserves and produce the bulk of the world's supply. Many of the countries that direct these state-owned companies are overtly unfriendly to the United States. These governments circumvent the traditional distribution process, undermining the open markets and, thus, driving international energy prices up. It is imperative that our State Department work to ensure terms favorable to an open market for oil and gas.
Our energy supply should not be influenced by the whims of our enemies. Energy independence is a matter of economic and national security. Over the next 20-25 years, we need to manage our dependence on fossil fuels in a strategic way while we develop alternative energy measures that are sustainable, diverse, and friendly for the environment. America’s continued prosperity depends upon the availability of reliable, affordable sources of energy.
A balanced energy policy includes expansion of domestic exploration and production, as well as refining capacity. I’m working with my colleagues to create a balanced American energy security plan that puts innovative, break-through solutions into action.
My Republican colleagues and I have released a comprehensive energy policy that expands investment in alternative fuels, funds the development of new technologies, and encourages energy efficiency. The proposal also takes aim at the energy challenges of tomorrow through encouraging education and conservation. Specific recommendations include development of next-generation vehicles and further exploration of electricity produced through new technological applications such as solar power, wind, hydroelectricity, and alternative fuels.
I believe that the ideas outlined in our balanced proposal will lower gas prices and curb our reliance on foreign sources of energy without punishing employers along the Gulf Coast and hampering the exploration of domestic energy. In the coming weeks, I will be discussing the features of this proposal with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we work to craft legislation that strengthens our economy and makes a real difference for the American people."
Food for thoughs,... thanks to all for good discussion
Quote"July 11, 2007 Unsubscribe Update My Profile
Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D. - The 7th District of Louisiana
Website | About Charles | Contact | Latest News | Issues | Constituent Services | Committees
In my conversations with my constituents in the Seventh District, I’ve heard time and time again that people are frustrated with the high price of gasoline. I understand the financial hardship these inflated prices place on working families, and I’m working to bring balance and reality to the debate.
Earlier this summer, the House passed a bill that will allow for controls on the price of gas at the pump. While compulsory protection from rising prices may seem like a welcome solution, history has shown that price controls do not work. In the 1970s, the federal government imposed price controls on gasoline in an attempt to shield American consumers from rising prices. These measures resulted in mass rationing, long lines at the pump, and consumer outrage. If a price is fixed artificially low, it’s just not worth it for companies to try and deliver more goods to the market. We need solutions to our energy problems, but price controls are not the answer.
Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have hastily introduced legislation to pacify distressed Americans calling for action, but the plans they offer are not economically or socially responsible. The energy plans they offer call for more regulation, higher taxes and fewer choices. The real key to lowering prices at the pump is decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
The oil market landscape has drastically changed with the rapid economic expansion in Russia, India and, most notably, China. Currently, national oil companies control almost 90 percent of global oil reserves and produce the bulk of the world's supply. Many of the countries that direct these state-owned companies are overtly unfriendly to the United States. These governments circumvent the traditional distribution process, undermining the open markets and, thus, driving international energy prices up. It is imperative that our State Department work to ensure terms favorable to an open market for oil and gas.
Our energy supply should not be influenced by the whims of our enemies. Energy independence is a matter of economic and national security. Over the next 20-25 years, we need to manage our dependence on fossil fuels in a strategic way while we develop alternative energy measures that are sustainable, diverse, and friendly for the environment. America’s continued prosperity depends upon the availability of reliable, affordable sources of energy.
A balanced energy policy includes expansion of domestic exploration and production, as well as refining capacity. I’m working with my colleagues to create a balanced American energy security plan that puts innovative, break-through solutions into action.
My Republican colleagues and I have released a comprehensive energy policy that expands investment in alternative fuels, funds the development of new technologies, and encourages energy efficiency. The proposal also takes aim at the energy challenges of tomorrow through encouraging education and conservation. Specific recommendations include development of next-generation vehicles and further exploration of electricity produced through new technological applications such as solar power, wind, hydroelectricity, and alternative fuels.
I believe that the ideas outlined in our balanced proposal will lower gas prices and curb our reliance on foreign sources of energy without punishing employers along the Gulf Coast and hampering the exploration of domestic energy. In the coming weeks, I will be discussing the features of this proposal with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we work to craft legislation that strengthens our economy and makes a real difference for the American people."
Food for thoughs,... thanks to all for good discussion
