“Our need for oil has grown, and domestic production and refining capacity have not kept up,” Moran said. “This is not a quick fix to the United States’ problem, but it puts a strategy in place that has been lacking for decades.”

The concentration of refineries in the Gulf Coast states puts not only the oil and gas industry, but also the entire U.S. at risk during hurricane season. Fuel prices nationwide escalated when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita halted oil production and refining. In addition, no new refineries have been built in the U.S. since 1976, in large part due to the complicated permit process and other economic factors. The GAS Act helps expedite the bureaucratic process of site selection and approval.

“The lack of domestic refineries drives up gas prices for Kansans at the pump,” Moran said. “Anything we can do to eliminate barriers in the construction and expansion of refineries will help America become more self-sufficient in our domestic energy needs.”

Moran was recently appointed by Congressional leaders to the Gas Price Task Force, formed to investigate fuel prices, supply constraints and regulatory issues. In an effort to learn more about the production and escalating price of fuel and energy, Moran has been touring energy facilities in Kansas. He recently visited an ethanol production facility, an oil refinery and an electric power plant.  

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