FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 07, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: Republican Refinery Bill More Empty Promises to Reduce Gas Prices

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement tonight in opposition to H.R. 5254, the Permit Process Schedule Act, which fails to address rising gas prices, while providing giveaways to Big Oil:

“With Americans paying twice as much at the pump than just five years ago, this attempt to provide huge giveaways for Big Oil at the expense of American families is the latest example of the failed energy policy of President Bush and this Rubber Stamp Republican Congress.

“This legislation fails to increase domestic refining capacity or lower the skyrocketing price of gasoline, instead giving the Secretary of Defense the power to sell or transfer land to oil industries at no cost.  There is no credible evidence that environmental protections have prevented or even delayed the construction of new refineries.  What is the real reason why oil companies have not built new refineries?  Greed.

“The number of refineries in the U.S. has declined over the past 30 years, and that is just the way Big Oil wants it.  Fewer refineries mean less gasoline on the market.  Less gasoline means higher prices.  And higher prices mean record profits for the oil companies and less money in the pockets of hard-working Americans.

“In spite of these facts, Republicans are giving us more of the same with this bill: a big giveaway for Big Oil, weakened environmental protections, and empty promises about reducing gas prices.  We are not buying it, and neither are the American people.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi