Why is the price of gasoline so high and what are you doing about it?

The price of gasoline is dependent upon many other variables.  In addition to the price of crude oil, gasoline prices also reflect available supply relative to anticipated demand, regional marketing and distribution, as well as level of competition among retailers.  For a gallon of gasoline that costs $3.80, 69% of the cost is crude oil, 16% refining, 10% taxes, and 5% distribution and marketing.  

Our country continues to face serious challenges on energy issues, some of which are made worse by government policies.  Too often, the federal government ties the hands of energy producers, making it more difficult and more expensive to produce the energy each of us needs every day.  Instability in the Middle East and elsewhere reminds us all of the dangers to our growing dependence on foreign sources of energy.

I have again introduced legislation to promote energy production of all kinds here at home.  H.R. 1023, the “No More Excuses Energy Act of 2011,” opens up areas placed off-limits to oil and gas exploration and production, and it encourages the construction of new refineries.  It also promotes alternative energy sources, including modern nuclear power plants, and restricts the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing burdensome global warming regulations.

Other pro-energy bills have also been introduced in the House, and I will support any of them which results in more domestic energy and in common-sense reforms of the laws and regulations which tie our own hands.