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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

In response to rising prices at the pump, United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) voted today to pass H.R. 3893, the Gasoline for America’s Security (GAS) Act of 2005. This legislation takes a number of steps to lower gasoline prices over time by increasing refinery capacity, streamlining the fuel supply and fighting price gouging.

“Many of my constituents are concerned about high gasoline prices and have every right to be,” said Rep. Foxx. “Today several of my colleagues and I took action to address rising energy costs. These problems took decades to develop and will not be solved overnight. However, we are moving in the right direction.”

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita dealt a blow to the Gulf Coast oil supplies and highlighted the importance of expanding our refinery capacity to produce energy here at home. The United States has not built new refineries or increased existing refinery capacity since the 1970s, even though demand has increased sharply. The GAS Act will simplify the refinery permitting process while maintaining environmental standards. It will also encourage building refineries on former military sites and limiting the proliferation of fuel blends used to satisfy Clean Air Act requirements.

The GAS Act will also address price gouging by requiring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate nationwide gasoline prices and to create a national standard for price gouging within a year of the bill’s enactment.

“I was proud to support the GAS Act, which would lower gasoline prices over time within the market system without resorting to price controls. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will act quickly and pass this vital piece of legislation,” said Rep. Foxx.

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