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The Crenshaw Energy Plan: Step 2

Cut Red-Tape and Increase Supply of American Made Fuel

July 1, 2008

At a time when the price of gas and the cost of a barrel of oil are at record highs, America must increase our own domestic supply and provide relief to families and businesses already financially stretched thin.  Increasing supply of American made fuel is crucial to bringing down energy costs and lessening our dependence on foreign producers.  

One reason that supply has not kept up with the pace of demand is that the United States’ ability to produce its own oil and gas into fuel has been stagnant for the past 3 decades.

The last new refinery was built in the U.S. in 1976.  That lack of construction is primarily due to the enormous amount of bureaucratic red-tape that has to be navigated and the incredibly expensive start-up process for businesses and investors.  In fact, in 1981 there were 324 refineries, but by 2005 that number had dropped to just 148.

The capital costs necessary to begin the start up process are so incredibly high that for many years they have deterred investors from engaging in refinery construction.  But, by giving business incentives the system more financially feasible, we can once again attract businesses to invest in new refineries.  

Another step that must be taken to attract investment back into production is simplifying and expediting the permitting process for environmental review and construction approval. This should also include approval for enhanced oil recovery projects, including CO2 delivery and injection.  The permitting procedures are necessary, but we can enforce environmental safety while streamlining an unnecessarily long process.

In addition to cutting the red-tape, it is crucial that America encourage the use and enactment of new technologies that increase the efficiency of existing power plants, but even with an increase in exploration, if there is not a rise in America’s refining capacity, it will be difficult to elevate the amount of American made fuel.  

We have the resources in this nation to take a step towards energy independence.  By cutting the red-tape and bureaucratic nightmare that exists for new refinery construction approval, we can help end the nightmare for Americans at the pump.  

July 2008 Press Releases Browse by: -- Month -- January February March April May June July (5) August (2) September (2) October November December -- Year -- 2006 (1) 2007 (1) 2008 (9) 07/01/08 The Crenshaw Energy Plan: Step 1 Current record 07/01/08 The Crenshaw Energy Plan: Step 3 07/01/08 The Crenshaw Energy Plan: Step 4 07/24/08 Crenshaw Calls for Long Term Energy Solutions