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Congressman Frank Lucas Proudly Representing Oklahoma's Third District

Congressman Frank Lucas

Representing the People of the Third District of Oklahoma

Real Energy Solutions

The skyrocketing energy costs are trickling down into every aspect of the American life. From the increase in gas prices and food prices to the waning economy, it is time for Congress to act now so that that no one has to choose between putting gas in the car to drive to work and putting food on the dinner table for their family.

Increased Energy Production = Lower Gas Prices

The answer to this energy crisis is clear: We need to increase production of American-made energy in order to decrease the cost passed on to the American people. This can be accomplished through the construction of new oil refineries and nuclear power plants, through research and development of alternative fuels, such as those derived from oil shale, algae, and switchgrass, and through an increase in oil production, such as offshore drilling and exploration of the Arctic Energy Slope. Increased American-made energy will not only work to lower gas prices nationwide, it will also decrease our dependency on foreign oil and create jobs, boosting our waning economy.

In an effort to address this crisis, House Republicans are introducing a discharge petition on a different piece of meaningful energy legislation each week for seven weeks. Each bill will encourage an increase in production of American-made energy, whether through traditional energy, such as oil and natural gas, or through alternative and reusable energy, such as wind. A discharge petition, if signed by a majority of Members, will discharge a piece of legislation from committee and bring it to the House floor for a vote, bypassing the Democrat majority’s attempts to block meaningful solutions to increase American energy production.

For more information on Real Energy Solutions, please visit http://www.gop.gov/energy/.

In His Own Words


A Return to Energy Production

Tulsa World
By Rep. Frank Lucas
July 6, 2008

Oklahoma began its role as an energy-producing state with the establishment of the first oil refinery in the late 1800s, and has grown to be one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in the country. With the recent interest in alternative fuels, we have maintained our position at the forefront of energy production by developing one of the most successful wind industries in the country. We have proudly been a major contributor to the nation's energy supply for more than 100 years and look forward to continuing in that role.

Demand across the world has increased significantly while energy production levels have remained largely the same, causing the price of gasoline to skyrocket. We are honored to serve as an energy provider for this country; however, the supply produced by Oklahoma and other energy producing states is no longer enough to meet the world demands. It is time for all Americans to get back in the business of energy production.

The White House estimates that there are more than 800 billion barrels of untapped oil in onshore and offshore reserves in the U.S. Putting even a fraction of that on the market would undoubtedly help lower the cost of gasoline. Also, we must expand our ability to refine crude oil. A new oil refinery has not been built in this country in more than 30 years, pushing our existing refineries to their production limit. Without updating and expanding our refining capacity, we will be unable to effectively and efficiently convert our crude oil into gasoline.

It is also important to encourage the development of alternative fuels. Wind power is one of the most efficient forms of energy, as Oklahoma has learned. Oklahoma's wind industry is the number nine producer in the nation. Not only are we creating cleaner, American-made energy, but our farmers are able to generate additional income by placing wind turbines in the wheat fields, boosting the American economy. However, America's wind production potential is far from fulfilled. Many states have opposed wind turbines being built within their borders. In addition, more research and development is needed to effectively transport the energy harvested.

Americans should not have to choose between putting gasoline in their cars and food on their tables. I have supported efforts to increase oil exploration, to encourage the construction of new refineries, and to research and develop alternative and renewable fuel sources. Increased American-made energy results in a decrease in the price at the pump, money back into the American economy, the creation of new jobs, and less dependence on foreign oil. As every American who has visited the pump in the last few months knows, the rising cost of gasoline is the biggest challenge we face in this country. It is time for Congress to rise to this challenge with real solutions.

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Rising to the Energy Challenge

Floor Speech
By Rep. Frank Lucas
June 26, 2008

Due to higher fuel costs, the two largest utility companies in Oklahoma recently announced a monthly rate increase of $16 on average, with more increases expected in the fall. This is just the latest example of how the pain at the pump is spreading to other necessities of life. The added expense for fuel to businesses is being passed along to consumers, who are now being hit with a double dose of soaring prices.

However, when given the opportunity to pass meaningful energy legislation, this Majority has chosen to introduce the “Bus Fares for Bureaucrats Bill” which would spend $1.7 billion in tax revenues to reduce fares in public transportation systems. While I am sure this will benefit the bureaucrats in DC who write these laws, I am more concerned about the farmers in western Oklahoma, where there is no public transportation system to speak of. As of today, my constituents are paying upwards of $4.00 a gallon for gas to fill their cars and $4.60 a gallon for diesel to fill their tractors and trucks. Are we to tell them that they not only have to pay higher prices for gas and electricity, but that they now have to subsidize people in big cities with the luxury of access to public transportation?

As long as demand continues to rise, the price for oil will continue to climb without increasing supply. The answer to this problem is clear: we must increase our domestic supply of oil by allowing exploration of new oil reserves and by increasing the capacity of our refineries. A recent Los Angeles Times/ Bloomberg poll stated 68% of registered voters support opening up more land for oil and gas drilling, including off the nation’s coasts. It is time for this Majority to start listening to the demands of the American people and open up more land for oil exploration.

It is also necessary to encourage the development of alternative energy, such as wind or nuclear power. Oklahoma is currently the number nine generator of wind power in this country, producing 689 megawatts per year. There are other states that have the potential to produce even more wind energy, but choose not to install wind turbines because they are considered “unsightly.” However, I will guarantee you that any Oklahoma wheat farmer who now earns money from both his crops and the wind turbines on his land will tell you his wind turbines are beautiful.

Right now, America produces 20% of its energy needs with nuclear power, while France produces 78% - 78%! That is 78% less energy they need to import from other countries. So not only are they able to produce more than three quarters of their electricity needs in France, they are able to do so in a clean, efficient manner with minimal harmful emissions.

This leads me to my most important point: If the electricity that lights your house or the gas that powers your car is produced in America, then money is going back into the American economy, new jobs are created, and we are becoming less dependent on foreign oil. It is time for America to get back in the business of energy production.

I urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition for H.R. 5656, “To Repeal the Ban on Acquiring Alternative Fuels Act” so we can bring this essential piece of legislation to the House floor for a vote. The rising cost of gasoline is the single biggest challenge we face in this country as every American who has visited the pump in the last few months knows, and it is time for Congress to rise to this challenge and come up with real solutions. Thank you.

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Press Releases Related to Energy

 

 

DC Office
2311 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-5565
(202) 225-8698 FAX
 

Stillwater Office
720 South Husband
Suite 7
Stillwater, OK 74075
(405) 624-6407
(405) 624-6467 FAX

 

Canadian County Office
10952 NW Expressway
Suite B
Yukon, OK 73099
(405) 373-1958
(405) 373-2046 FAX

Woodward Office
2728 Williams Avenue
Suite F
Woodward, OK 73801
(580) 256-5752
(580) 254-3047 FAX