(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Mike Ross (AR-04), a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Energy Subcommittee, participated in two days of hearings on rising gas prices.  The hearings entitled “Gasoline:  Supply, Price, and Specifications” investigated recent increases in U.S. gasoline prices. 

Over the past six weeks, U.S. gas prices on average have risen to over $2.95 per gallon; the highest level since the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“The increasing gas prices are hitting rural areas particularly hard.  My district spans 21,000 square miles, 29 counties, and 150 towns.  It is not uncommon for my constituents to drive 50 miles or more – each way to and from work.  And in most cases they commute these distances for a job that pays well below the national average.  Hard working Arkansans trying to do the right thing by working to put food on the table, to keep the lights on, and to provide for their families – are being devastated by these record gas prices. 

“I strongly support the continued development and use of ethanol and bio-diesel as a way to reduce the demand on costly fossil fuels.  And, as we continue working to increase the use of bio-fuels, we must make the necessary investments to develop our nation’s infrastructure to support an increased use of ethanol and bio-diesel. 

“The reality is this: the energy bill, which I voted for, authorizes $100 million for grants to be used to develop bio-mass refineries, which would advance the use of alternative and renewable fuels for the entire 2007 fiscal year.  This funding is authorized, but not yet appropriated.  And yet we send $279 million per day to Iraq.  There is a lot of talk these days about alternative and renewable fuels, over the next year we’re going to invest about half as much money in grants for bio-mass refineries in these United States of America than we will spend in Iraq in the next 24 hours.

“As we develop alternative fuels and flex-fuel vehicles, our nation will continue to rely on fossil fuels as our primary source of energy.   Therefore, I believe we must promote further exploration and development of domestic oil and gas production.  I contend that addressing our nation’s energy crisis will take a multi-faceted approach consisting of increased domestic production, conservation, the use of alternative and renewable energy sources, utilizing energy efficient technologies, and end-user participation.”

Witnesses at the hearings included the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), State regulators, industry representatives and consumer groups.  The hearings focused on the transition from summer to winter fuel and boutique fuels which are State-enacted clean fuel specifications designed to limit motor vehicle emissions. 

Ross’s participation in today’s hearings is part of his continued commitment to respond to the high prices at the pump.

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