Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans, led by E&C Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), and Energy Subcommittee Republican Leader Fred Upton (R-MI), are introducing a new bill today to protect the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and strengthen our nation’s energy security. The “Strategic Production Response Act" would require the Secretary of Energy to develop a plan to increase oil and gas production on Federal lands if the President uses the SPR for non-emergency reasons.
“The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was created by Congress to respond to oil supply disruptions that may arise after a natural disaster or war. The SPR is not supposed to be tapped as a bailout for the President’s anti-fossil fuel agenda, which has led to the highest gas prices in seven years." Leader Rodgers said. “Releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is not a long-term solution to help hard-working families devastated by these failed policies. The Biden administration must end its hostility to producing energy here at home, and reverse the policies that have led to the cancelation of critical pipelines and endless permitting delays."
President Biden’s decision to tap the SPR for political cover is unprecedented. The SPR is one of our most important energy security tools and must be protected. If this administration is serious about lowering gas prices for American families, then it should be encouraging American oil and gas development and production.
The “Strategic Production Response Act" is a companion bill to legislation introduced by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Republican Leader John Barrasso (R-WY).
