| WASHINGTON,
D.C. U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today warned that Illinois
and other states are facing another energy crisis as a result of high natural
gas prices. Schakowsky raised her concerns directly with Secretary
of Energy Bill Richardson during a meeting of the Democratic Energy Working
Group. Fifty-five percent of American homes are heated by natural
gas.
In
Chicago and the Midwest, we are facing a natural gas crisis. Over the past
year, natural gas prices have more than doubled. Consumers are paying
this high price because energy providers are only concerned about maximizing
their profits and Republicans in Congress are reluctant to address the
problem, Schakowsky said.
I
have been assured by the Secretary of Energy that the Administration is
considering all options so that families in Chicago and across the country
will not be left out in the cold this winter. Big oil gouged my constituents
and millions of consumers at the gas pump this summer. I am here
to warn them that I will turn up the heat if they try it again this winter,
Schakowsky added.
In
a letter to House and Senate appropriators, Schakowsky urged them to increase
funding for the Energy Information Administration. She wrote, As
the U.S. enters its heating season, Congress, other policymakers, private
industry and the public need improved information in order to ensure that
markets work as efficiently as possible. The letter was cosigned
by Representatives John Tierney (D-MA), Marty Meehan (D-MA), and Jim Greenwood
(R-PA).
Schakowsky
is also working with her colleagues to urge the President to take steps
to address the crisis. In a letter, they called on the President,
to use his authority to release crude oil from SPR, urge OPEC to increase
production, and release $400 million in emergency Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In addition, she signed another letter to
Senate and House appropriators urging more funding for energy assistance
programs.
Finally,
Schakowsky, who is a member of the Government Reform Committee, said that
she is looking forward to the two-day hearings starting tomorrow that will
focus on practices by the oil and gas corporations and Administration policies
affecting energy issues for the upcoming winter. She will also use
the opportunity to discuss with Administration officials, private industry
representatives and her colleagues the need to devote more resources to
help families and businesses purchase energy efficient appliances, invest
in renewable fuels, and increase home weatherization efforts. |
