What They’re Saying About More Fuel for American Drivers H.R. 5254 – The Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore.: “American demand for oil is outpacing our nation’s refining capacity, adding to the increases we’re all seeing at the pump. And recent price increases have been especially poignant for rural America, where gasoline can cost up to 20 percent more than in urban areas. We can help reverse this trend by taking common sense, responsible steps like those in H.R. 5254 to improve our nation’s ability to refine crude oil while maintaining the public’s right to participate in refinery siting, recognizing environmental needs and continuing to develop alternative sources of energy.” U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.: “We had 324 refineries in 1981 and today we have 148. We haven’t built a new refinery since 1976. Our demand is growing and prices are rising while Tennessee Democrats vote ‘No’ on domestic oil exploration and refinery construction. This bill should have unanimous support, especially since it retains all existing environmental regulations. I hope we’ll see members across the aisle reevaluate their previous vote on this measure and help us pass a much needed refinery expansion bill. This is a vote against the bureaucratic red tape that has been strangling our ability to meet America’s energy needs.” U.S. Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla.: “Almost 50 percent of the U.S. refining capacity is in states along the Gulf of Mexico making the U.S. gasoline and diesel supply vulnerable to natural disasters. By establishing and expanding refineries in more interior parts of the country, such as in Cushing, Okla., where pipeline infrastructure already exists, supplies will be increased without the threat that they could be wiped out by a hurricane. It is important to remember that locations with the infrastructure and manpower currently in place to increase production already exist.” U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Miss: “By encouraging biomass and biofuel refining, as well as clearing hurdles and removing obstacles for traditional refinery construction, we will increase domestic fuel supplies and see a future decrease in gasoline prices.” U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill.: “One of the few ways Congress can do something to affect high gasoline prices in the long term is to increase the supply. To increase supply we must increase our domestic refinery capacity. This legislation should can help do that.” U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz: “One year ago I went to New York and visited the New York Mercantile Exchange. The traders on the floor that I spoke to said the exact opposite of what we just heard on the floor of this House. What they said was that this nation is desperate need of refining capacity. They grabbed me by the lapel on the floor of the Mercantile and said, ‘Do what you can to get additional refining capacity in this country.’” U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas: “Mr. Speaker, there are those who believe we’ve already run out of resources and ideas. They say that we’re all in this together, and we’ll just have to learn how to make do with less. Today they urge us to do nothing. I don’t accept that.” ####