Washintgon, D.C.   -  As gasoline prices across the country push past the $4 mark, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) is leading the charge in Washington to force the House Democratic Leadership to advance a common sense, bipartisan energy initiative to help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and lower prices at the pump for American consumers. 

“As gasoline price increases continue to drive a deeper dent in the pocketbooks of American working families, the House Democratic Leadership is standing idly by, forcing the driving public to bear the brunt of Washington’s failed energy policy,” said English, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee.  “During this time of economic uncertainty, we ought to put crass congressional politics aside and work to develop strong, bipartisan initiatives that will address the current energy crisis and ease the financial burden for American consumers.”

Today, English filed a discharge petition to force the Democratic Majority to schedule a House vote on H.R. 2279, the Expand American Refining Capacity Act.  The legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.), will promote domestic oil and gas production by allowing the president to recommend closed military bases as suitable sites for new refineries.

The ability to refine oil and supply gas and diesel to consumers has not kept pace with the demand for gasoline and diesel, which is a driving factor in the level and volatility of gas and diesel prices. A new refinery has not been built in the United States since 1976.  Today, American refineries are at near capacity and as a result, regardless of the amount of crude oil that is produced, the United States does not have the capacity to refine it. 

“As refined product imports continue to rise, we must streamline the process to reform the regulatory environment to help expand refinery production right here at home,” English said.  “With this bill we not only promote domestic oil and gas production by streamlining the permit process for American refineries, but create new job opportunities for communities near abandoned military bases.”

English has been a strong advocate of a comprehensive energy plan to help stem high energy costs and promote increases in domestic supplies. Today’s discharge petition is part of the Republican strategy to lower energy costs.  The plan is to file one discharge petition each week, with an eye on bringing bipartisan legislation to the House floor.  Each of the seven bills are specifically crafted to lower the price of gas and other energy sources by increasing American-made energy, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and creating jobs here at home in the process.

“Although this legislation is not an automatic fix to the energy crisis we are experiencing today, it is certainly part of the solution,” English concluded. “Time is of the essence and we must act now help us to regain control of our energy future and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

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