Friday, July 4, 2014

More Cathy McMorris Rodgers Foolishness

From a recent press release:

House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4899, Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act of 2014, which will cut the red tape that hinders American oil and natural gas production, opening access to America’s vast energy resources.

“For the past five years, American families have watched their wallets emptied from escalating gas prices. And today the House has acted to help them. We have the ability to produce more American oil and natural gas – reducing our dependence on foreign oil and putting more money back into people’s pockets. So let’s do it. Let’s unlock America’s offshore drilling areas. Let’s ease the pain at the pump for people all across this country. And let’s get Americans back to work so they can bring home higher paychecks. I applaud Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA) for leading us all in saying ‘yes’ to American energy – and helping the American people because of it.”

I linked to the legislation above so you can read it for yourself because she never does. It's like the title really describes the legislation, which it rarely does these days. This is nothing more than another iteration of "Drill, baby! Drill!"

The very first sentence of the bill:

"To lower gasoline prices for the American family by increasing domestic onshore and offshore energy exploration and production, to streamline and improve onshore and offshore energy permitting and administration, and for other purposes."

This is the part where she tries to fool us into thinking that gasoline prices are going up because there's a shortage. If you look at how much gasoline we are importing and exporting, you'll see that there is no shortage in the area of availability. And we are exporting more than we import. Why are we exporting gas when prices are higher?

"The growth in U.S. gasoline exports does not necessarily mean higher pump prices for U.S. consumers. Rather, export markets are providing an outlet for refiners that might otherwise have faced lower profit margins that could encourage them to reduce output or possibly even shutdown, which could cause gasoline prices to increase."

In other words, oil companies, who on one hand accept the corporate welfare in the form of tax breaks and on the other hand want to make as much profit as possible, are under no obligation to sell their products in the United States.

Increasing the amount of onshore and offshore drilling does not guarantee lower gas prices. We have plenty of gas in the U.S. and demand is down. Profits can be made more easily elsewhere in the world where demand is higher. The only thing more drilling will guarantee is more profits for oil companies. And more environmental trashing.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I usually don't reply to political post but I feel I have to make a general comment. You post what the republicans are trying to put forward to better the country and you pretty much just criticize every post. Why not post what the Dems are doing and tell us why it's so wonderful. Stick to cycling posts please.

Anonymous said...

Just to let you know that Cathy McMorris Rogers has done some positive things here is a letter I sent her last month.

letter concerns the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. So a little about myself. I am a 26 year Air Force veteran, and I retired in Feb of 2010. Like many people joining the service I discovered early in life that college was just not for me, but my daughter Brittany was very bright in school and did exceptionally well in college thanks to the efforts of yourself and Bill Foster. She did Running Start here in Spokane and received her AA when she graduated from Lakeside High School. After school she went to the University of Southampton in England to do nine months of community service. Just before she was scheduled to come home I was able to transfer my education benefits to her. Where she attended St. Martin's University in Lacey, Washington in the fall. Brittany received her bachelors of arts degree in community service and criminal justice and graduated summa cum laude. She saved 80% of the stipend and applied that savings towards graduate school at Eastern Washington University. A few weeks ago at the age of 23 she received her Masters in Social Work and as parents my wife and I could not be prouder! Thanks to you and Representative Bill Foster our daughter has gotten a great start on her adult life to include "ZERO" student debt.

I once again want to thank you for your continued support of the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and veterans and their families. I wanted you to know the difference that both of your support for this bill has made for this family and I am sure many more.

Hank Greer said...

Anonymous,

I have maybe tens of readers. I don't expect anyone who reads this blog to enjoy everything I write so it doesn't bother me if someone complains. If you disagree with something I write, then please provide the facts and references to show me where I'm wrong. If you don't care for the subject matter then feel free to move on to the next entry or another site. Regardless, I appreciate you stopping by.

I am happy for you and your daughter that she was able to complete her education without incurring debt. What used to be the norm is now a special case, which speaks volumes to me about the state of our country today.

Hank