Wilson Highlights Republican Efforts to Reduce Gas Prices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
202-225-2452 (W)
202-468-3258 (C)

April 26, 2006

Wilson Highlights Republican Efforts to Reduce Gas Prices

Expresses Support for the Fuel Choices for American Security Act

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) joined Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-01), Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-17), and other members of Congress in a bipartisan press briefing in support of the Fuel Choices for American Security Act of 2005 (H.R. 4409). He made the following statement:

“The Department of Energy has reported that from 1970 to 2001, energy consumption in the South Carolina residential sector increased by 115.6%. While South Carolinians have grown more dependent upon energy sources to fuel their cars and heat their homes, America’s energy policy reflects the energy needs of a different era. House Republicans are committed to resolving this crisis by transforming our energy strategy.

“Last December, Congress passed the Gasoline for America’s Security Act which will help expedite the construction of American refineries. Today, Republican Leaders continued to lead on this issue when they outlined specific, short-term steps to address high energy prices by opening up ANWR to produce American energy, banning price gouging, and streamlining the boutique fuels list.

“The Fuel Choices for American Security Act is a realistic piece of legislation which will help deliver a long-term solution to America’s energy crisis. Providing tax credits to consumers who purchase hybrid vehicles, encouraging manufacturers to produce more efficient lightweight materials, and establishing goals to replace ten percent of gasoline with Ethanol in ten years are all reasonable methods that will make a remarkable difference in the future of American energy.”

The Fuel Choices for American Security Act of 2005 offers a viable blueprint to fuel independence by helping transform the nation's transportation sector into a 21st Century model. It presents a new energy strategy which strengthens current supply, increases conservation efforts, and embraces new fuel choices.

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