Legislation will increase America's oil refining capacity and encourage further exploration at home according to Congressman

WASHINGTON - This week, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) voted for H.R. 3893, also known as the GAS Act of 2005. "I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation because its primary focus is making gas more affordable by encouraging exploration and increasing our refining capabilities in America," explained Congressman McHenry.

According to a news release from the Congressman, "the GAS Act of 2005 will cut red tape that prevents more refineries from being built. It would also improve infrastructure within the United States so that gas and diesel can get from the refinery to the customer quicker."

Kevin S. Curtis, senior vice president of the National Environmental Trust, disagrees. "The Gasoline for America's Security Act will do nothing to help consumers at the pump, increase our security or promote new energy technologies. This bill is nothing more than a shameless attempt to use Katrina and record high gas prices to push through legislation that was yanked out of the last energy bill."

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Curtis continued: "Everyone from the National Environmental Trust to the American Petroleum Institute agrees: the only way to help consumers today is to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Incredibly, Chairman Barton's bill almost completely ignores this advice. To make matters worse, this bill will significantly weaken the Clean Air Act. President Bush's much touted deadlines for cleaner air and requirements for cleaner diesel have just been thrown out the window."

"Recent high gas prices have shown that we have let the number of refineries in America drop to a dangerously low level. It is ridiculous that we have not built a new refinery since 1976," McHenry commented. "We cannot continue to let environmental extremists hinder responsible efforts to increase our refining capacity. America must become less dependant on foreign oil and the first step is building new refineries."

There were 324 refineries operating in America in 1981. Today, that number has dropped to 148. Additionally, Americans consume 21 million barrels of oil per day, but U.S. refineries only have the capability to refine 17 million barrels per day. The result is an over-reliance on oil refined in foreign countries.

The GAS Act of 2005 also addresses the need for diversification in American refining capacity. Currently, 47% of refining capacity is located in states bordering the Gulf of Mexico and 28% is offshore in the Gulf. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita exposed the flaws in having so much of the country's capacity located in such a concentrated area. The bill also includes incentives for companies to switch to clean burning coal and other alternative fuels.

"This legislation is the first step in solving our long-term energy problems and reducing our dependence on foreign oil," stated Congressman McHenry. "As a matter of national security, America must not be reliant on other countries for its energy needs. I am dedicated to making the U.S. more independent when it comes to energy production."