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Inhofe Promotes Energy Bills
By Amanda Gire
Posted Aug 27, 2008
SHAWNEE, Okla. - It's no secret that rising energy costs are affecting what residents pay at the pump. This correlation has U.S. legislators creating and passing bills to provide affordable fuel.
"The price at the pump is the issue today," U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe said during a visit to Shawnee Wednesday. "A secure energy supply must be grounded in three key principles - stable, diverse and affordable."
Inhofe said that when Congress reconvenes in three weeks, the goal is for the Senate to pass a bill - whether it concerns increased drilling, developing alternative energy practices or increasing refinery capacity.
"We will get this done because of the support of the public," he said.
Inhofe is teaming with U.S. Rep. Dan Boren to overcome obstacles relating to natural gas and marginal well production. Their goal is to keep oil and gas wells economically viable and producing with the Marginal Well Production legislation.
"As Americans continue to suffer from high energy prices, we need to take advantage of domestic resources of oil and natural gas," Inhofe said in a press release.
Inhofe said some of the proposed legislation would create more opportunities for domestic oil drilling and focus on wind, nuclear and alternative energy.
"We need to run this machine we call America," Inhofe said.
Proposed bills, including the American Affordable Fuels Act of 2008, Gas Price Reduction Act of 2008 and Gas PRICE Act, would allow oil companies to increase their refinery capacity and open domestic sources.
Inhofe said by increasing refinery capacity, the United States would keep up with demand.
"If we had all the fuel in the world, it wouldn't do us any good if we can't refine it," he said.
Inhofe said the proposal is to build new refineries on closed military bases. He said a new refinery hasn t been built since 1976, and refining capacity is not keeping pace with today's demand. The Gas PRICE Act would improve the permit process of expanding existing facilities and the construction of new facilities.
During the past sessions, the Senate also addressed bills that affect American soldiers who are returning to the United States from Iraq, Inhofe said. One is a GI Bill update, which extends education for troops to their spouses and children.
Other upcoming legislation focuses on veteran retirement benefits, increased health benefits and enhanced medical treatment. Inhofe said the bills will ensure that benefits will be available to veterans when they come home.