Shelley Moore Capito, March 18, 2005

If your gasoline had a label telling you where it was made, it would probably read, "Made in Venezuela" or "Made in Saudi Arabia" instead of "Made in the USA." As we all know, demand for oil is at a record high. We use oil in our automobiles, ATVs, lawnmowers, as well as to heat our homes and fuel our economy. For over 50 years, nearly 40% of the energy consumed in the United States has been supplied by petroleum, and more often than not, that petroleum comes from an unstable foreign country.

America's energy needs depend too heavily on foreign oil. Passage of a comprehensive Energy Bill that utilizes northern Alaska's vast petroleum resources would be a major step towards keeping gasoline and petroleum prices stable and would reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil.

Some view drilling for oil in northern Alaska as controversial. I disagree. Drilling for oil in northern Alaska, which can be done with minimal environmental impact, will help reduce the price at the pump by increasing oil supplies. In addition, many companies that provide equipment and gear utilized during oil exploration make West Virginia their home. Oil drilling in Alaska means greater demand for goods and services provided by West Virginia's workers.

There are other steps we can take to lower energy costs. In 1981, 324 oil refineries operated in the United States, by 2002, that number had dropped to 153. The complex mazes of rules and regulations that oil refineries have to contend with contributed to that decline. Fewer refineries means less oil is available for sale, which drives up the cost to consumers. Simplifying the regulations would help oil production.

On top of this problem, regional air quality standards require refineries to produce different grades of gasoline throughout the country known as "boutique fuels," that cost more money to bring to market. The same type of gasoline that is sold in California is different than the gasoline sold in West Virginia. Simplifying air quality standards, while still protecting our health, would allow refineries to produce a more affordable gasoline.

How can we accomplish the goal of lower and more stable oil prices? I am going to do my part by continuing to support the Energy Bill. By supporting the Energy Bill, I not only support lower gas prices, but the West Virginians who work in our state's petroleum industry as well.

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, represents West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Charleston.