Congress could take steps to ease gas prices

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Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:22:46 PM

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Congress could take steps to ease gas prices Sunday, July 20, 2008
Associated press -- Responding to Americans' anger over gas prices and the housing bust, President Bush is stepping up pressure on Congress to open up offshore oil exploration and work to restore confidence in the housing finance industry. "This is a challenging time for families across our nation," Bush said Saturday in his weekly radio address. "I know many families are worried about rising prices at the pump and declining home values." Bush recently lifted an executive ban on offshore oil drilling. He said it's Congress' turn to act. "The only thing now standing between the American people and the vast oil resources of the Outer Continental Shelf is action from the United States Congress," he said. With soaring gas prices, public opinion on energy issues is shifting in favor of a more permissive stance on drilling, even though resistance remains to the idea of opening the Atlantic and Pacific coasts or the eastern Gulf off Florida's beaches to oil and gas companies.
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	Sunday, July 20, 2008 Associated press -- Responding to Americans' anger over gas prices and the housing bust, President Bush is stepping up pressure on Congress to open up offshore oil exploration and work to restore confidence in the housing finance industry. "This is a challenging time for families across our nation," Bush said Saturday in his weekly radio address. "I know many families are worried about rising prices at the pump and declining home values." Bush recently lifted an executive ban on offshore oil drilling. He said it's Congress' turn to act. "The only thing now standing between the American people and the vast oil resources of the Outer Continental Shelf is action from the United States Congress," he said. With soaring gas prices, public opinion on energy issues is shifting in favor of a more permissive stance on drilling, even though resistance remains to the idea of opening the Atlantic and Pacific coasts or the eastern Gulf off Florida's beaches to oil and gas companies. Visit Associated press for full article

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SHEP20715 All-Star Author Maryland Posts:565 Points:95,955 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 7/24/2008 1:58:58 AM	Ignore SHEP20715 Report Abuse
	drill now
priceit Champion Author Portland Posts:7,996 Points:1,493,420 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 3:55:38 PM	Ignore priceit Report Abuse
	Crusin, how does the US Congress regulate what goes on in a sovereign country like England? Any desk we close or over regulate will just locate off shore and be beyond any US control, would it not?
HawaiianGuy All-Star Author Idaho Posts:918 Points:1,386,570 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 2:35:24 PM	Ignore HawaiianGuy Report Abuse
	I just can't believe that Congress is dragging their feet on this...but then again, maybe this isn't too surprising. Just you put a Congressional payraise on the burner and see how fast they move on THAT one.
CrazyQ Champion Author Washington Posts:11,857 Points:1,370,625 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 2:32:54 PM	Ignore CrazyQ Report Abuse
	It's like Pres Reagan said, "Government is the problem." Take a bow, Congress!
POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,460 Points:147,200 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 1:17:59 PM	Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse
	congress should take steps, period. to the east; hopefully
Stratotanker Rookie Author Dallas Posts:19 Points:46,680 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:40:25 AM	Ignore Stratotanker Report Abuse
	I agree with CruisinLinda EXCEPT for the 35 million acres of lease not being drilled. While Cuba, with China's help, will be drilling off our shore and Brazil has just found an enormous field off its Atlantic coast, we need to drill where there is the highest likelihood of finding oil that is quickly recoverable. I doubt that the 35 million acres is all that easily recoverable oil. We know there is readily recoverable oil in ANWR as well as under Gull Island near Prudhoe Bay where there are capped wells already drilled. [Google: "Gull Island"] That field needs to be opened and a pipeline linking it to the Alaska pipeline built. That is doable in the short term. In the longer term, the off shore ban should be lifted. WE know how to drill responsibly, now lets do it. Ask yourself: Who would you rather have drilling off your shore: the US oil companies, or some Chinese company (read: Chinese Government)? [Edited by: Stratotanker at 7/21/2008 11:41:35 AM EST]
drclark All-Star Author Tampa Posts:957 Points:130,920 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:38:38 AM	Ignore drclark Report Abuse
	At least Bush has put it into the hands of this idiotic Congress. It does not matter what you believe his reasoning or ploy for this move is. He has done it. The important thing, is - What is Congress going to do with it? I believe they are going to keep killing it until they hopefully get Obama into office and then try to give him Credit for it. Congress is willing to let the American people suffer just to make a political point. Bring it to the states and let the people of that particular state vote on it. Majority wins. This is a democratic society (?) but we are allowing the two party elected officials to make all the decisions. Let the American voices be heard!
CruisinLinda Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:4,238 Points:863,385 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:29:01 AM	Ignore CruisinLinda Report Abuse
	Did Bush forget that Congress opened up the western Gulf of Mexico to oil companies two years ago? Does he not know that oil companies have 35 million acres under lease they are not drilling? What Congress CAN and NEEDS to do is to make the Commodities Futures Trading Commission members earn their salaries and start regulating oil futures exchanges. Congress also has to repeal the Fall, 2000, Enron Exemption that deregulates over-the-counter oil trading. Congress also needs to make the commission regulate off-shore branches of commodities exchanges like the London Loophole, the London oil-futures exchange of the Atlanta-based ICE.
NedW Sophomore Author Indianapolis Posts:211 Points:83,240 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:14:45 AM	Ignore NedW Report Abuse
	Before we say that Congress won't do anything, a well deserved accusation, let's make sure we are all calling and emailing our representatives.
krucker Sophomore Author Austin Posts:181 Points:346,805 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:10:43 AM	Ignore krucker Report Abuse
	YEAH RIGHT!!.........Congress will let us all suffer for the sake of some endangered AMOEBA!!!
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:7,815 Points:629,085 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:03:39 AM	Ignore tomok Report Abuse
	Yeah! Congress could do something but what can or will they do? *** Produce more alternative fuels using NON FOOD sources. ***Limit the import of OPEC oil and their world terrorism paid with oil money. Drill and produce oil from the east and west coasts. Build more nuclear plants. Produce more renewable energy from solar, wind, tidal, thermal, and hydro sources. -----Support the grid and drive electric vehicles. etc., etc., etc., etc. Yeah! Congress could do something......
Grismer Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:188 Points:62,020 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:02:11 AM	Ignore Grismer Report Abuse
	Congress could do many things but will do nothing.
kidmikey37 Veteran Author Nevada Posts:412 Points:110,780 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:02:08 AM	Ignore kidmikey37 Report Abuse
	hurry up already
china211 Veteran Author Long Island Posts:282 Points:58,930 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:01:29 AM	Ignore china211 Report Abuse
	Than they should do it and stopputting all this red tape in the way of it all. We have to do it now!!!!!
Blackice Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,354 Points:435,865 Joined:Oct 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:00:17 AM	Ignore Blackice Report Abuse
	roadkillGA I don't think any trees died to print this story. ;)
NedW Sophomore Author Indianapolis Posts:211 Points:83,240 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 11:00:03 AM	Ignore NedW Report Abuse
	I'm for drilling, increasing refining capacity and, anyone who's running against Nancy Pelosi, this Nov. And, anyone who says that drilling wont help for years, hasn't worked in the industry and likes to speak before they know what they're talking about.
Hawkeyejd Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:214 Points:226,600 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:59:36 AM	Ignore Hawkeyejd Report Abuse
	OK
Gerund1 All-Star Author Toronto Posts:802 Points:785,170 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:58:33 AM	Ignore Gerund1 Report Abuse
	Yeah, drill, drill, drill. Problem is that it will be years before any effect is felt.
roadkillGA All-Star Author Georgia Posts:772 Points:58,215 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:54:37 AM	Ignore roadkillGA Report Abuse
	DRILL
roadkillGA All-Star Author Georgia Posts:772 Points:58,215 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:54:16 AM	Ignore roadkillGA Report Abuse
	How many trees are distroyed to print the same old news while letting oxygen recycleing reduced? DRILL
hangupanddrive Veteran Author Michigan Posts:399 Points:855,465 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:53:59 AM	Ignore hangupanddrive Report Abuse
	That will never happen, democrats do not like to work.
copperhead8 Champion Author Boston Posts:4,747 Points:1,116,120 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:53:07 AM	Ignore copperhead8 Report Abuse
	Just do something.
highlandlassy Veteran Author Michigan Posts:453 Points:50,715 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:52:49 AM	Ignore highlandlassy Report Abuse
	Gassie. Read about the possible tax hike yesterday. What a crock!!!! "suppose to help the job market". Haha
Shiff Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,042 Points:323,430 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:50:37 AM	Ignore Shiff Report Abuse
	Drill, but also fund research on alternatives
Mickie08 Sophomore Author Jackson Posts:157 Points:50,295 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:47:32 AM	Ignore Mickie08 Report Abuse
	Drill away but keep it here. Congress won't do anything to make Bush look good. Look for this if OBama becomes Pres.
AlaRedNeck All-Star Author Kansas Posts:706 Points:120,850 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:46:21 AM	Ignore AlaRedNeck Report Abuse
	Thats it nd73, blame it on the democrats, what were the republicans doing the previous 10+ years when they controlled the congress? Rubber stamping Bush. New drilling isn't going to help us for years and even then it's only a temporary fix.
flatcoatfun All-Star Author Orlando Posts:507 Points:149,520 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:45:01 AM	Ignore flatcoatfun Report Abuse
	Yea congress could do a lot - but I'm sure they wont.....
nightriderKY Rookie Author Lexington Posts:59 Points:19,005 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:43:56 AM	Ignore nightriderKY Report Abuse
	yep
nd73 Veteran Author Grand Rapids Posts:338 Points:214,395 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:43:29 AM	Ignore nd73 Report Abuse
	C'mon, you liberal Democrat Congresspeople!!!! Reinstate free enterprise. Remove the restrictions on drilling for oil in America!! We could be oil independent within years.
Gassie1 Champion Author Akron Posts:3,940 Points:476,335 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:43:19 AM	Ignore Gassie1 Report Abuse
	Congress is now considering adding to the tax, not reducing it!
acknot Veteran Author Seattle Posts:482 Points:561,275 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:43:01 AM	Ignore acknot Report Abuse
	Congress? Help? You gotta be kidden' me!
RC_RACER All-Star Author Tacoma Posts:767 Points:187,875 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:37:42 AM	Ignore RC_RACER Report Abuse
	yesterdays news, same response.
Schwartzmdja Veteran Author Oklahoma City Posts:298 Points:105,710 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:36:52 AM	Ignore Schwartzmdja Report Abuse
	read this yesterday
RochBear Champion Author Minnesota Posts:1,297 Points:423,650 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:35:59 AM	Ignore RochBear Report Abuse
	Congress (the opposite of Progress) should open up ALL areas of this country to allow drilling. But Congress should also be promoting alternative energies such as WIND and SOLAR. They could do an Energy tax credit, for improvements to homes, and businesses. They should mandate that all new construction meet Minnesota energy code (That's good insulation and windows, high efficient furnaces and A/C) Insulation not only helps in the winter, but it keeps the Heat out in the summer too. If the houses in CA were built to MN standards, you could heat them with a candle, and cool them with an ice cube. Congress should also cut regulation on wind and solar "farms". Don't be like John Kerry and fight a wind farm. That is complete idiocy! If congress is serious about allowing the USA to be energy independant, we need to encourage a move away from oil, to things we have. (coal, Nuke, wind, solar, geo-thermal, tidal, Hydro-electric, and bio fuels.)
bejamaluthopa Rookie Author Florida Posts:52 Points:104,065 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:35:38 AM	Ignore bejamaluthopa Report Abuse
	Consider investing in alternative fuels instead of the corrupt oil market. Alternatives lead to cmpetition and this in turn to freedom of choice...
CTgasman01 Rookie Author Connecticut Posts:86 Points:18,760 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:35:03 AM	Ignore CTgasman01 Report Abuse
	No Congress is the problem.
canescommuter All-Star Author Greensboro Posts:530 Points:108,335 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:33:17 AM	Ignore canescommuter Report Abuse
	Congress is part of the problem. Sitting on their thumbs as the dollar declines worldwide, enacting legislation that benefits their friends and contributors, playing politics rather than doing their jobs of truly representing the people's interest or the greater good. Impotent blowhards.
throttle Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,127 Points:933,300 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:32:24 AM	Ignore throttle Report Abuse
	They could, but they won't. It's easier just to blame Republicans.
Don20 Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,090 Points:925,240 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:30:42 AM	Ignore Don20 Report Abuse
	Yes they could, but they won't. They also could have two years ago.. but they did't
MetroManiac All-Star Author Rochester Posts:759 Points:73,765 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:30:33 AM	Ignore MetroManiac Report Abuse
	political ploy after 8 years with no energy policy. [Edited by: MetroManiac at 7/21/2008 10:30:45 AM EST]
Chris46 Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,690 Points:654,190 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:27:53 AM	Ignore Chris46 Report Abuse
	Yep. They could do that is so inclined.
tbybee Rookie Author Omaha Posts:72 Points:48,595 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:25:40 AM	Ignore tbybee Report Abuse
	If Mexico, China and Cuba are going it, why wouldn't we?
masrod Champion Author Iowa Posts:26,747 Points:970,455 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:24:40 AM	Ignore masrod Report Abuse
	Bush is trying to pull a bit of a bait and switch on the voters. He argues that we can solve our energy problems by offshore drilling for oil, but what he leaves out is that the oil will belong to the oil companies, not the United States, and that this relief will take over a decade to arrive and will last for 3 years. Why is Big Oil only drilling on 10,000,000 acres of the 41,000,000 acres of leased land they already have? They want to keep their record profits all for themselves. Bush is an Oil Man. Unite for Change! Obama 08!
my3sons Champion Author New York Posts:1,169 Points:779,225 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:23:58 AM	Ignore my3sons Report Abuse
	Congress could have done something back 2 or 3 years ago too
WillyG Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,158 Points:426,075 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:23:39 AM	Ignore WillyG Report Abuse
	Yeah, baby steps !
rbdesigns Veteran Author Modesto Posts:300 Points:86,270 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:18:42 AM	Ignore rbdesigns Report Abuse
	We all need to write to our Congress and tell them to vote for drilling or they don't get your vote. If enough people do that then maybe it will make a difference.
Bigbearliving Sophomore Author Los Angeles Posts:245 Points:53,255 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:16:45 AM	Ignore Bigbearliving Report Abuse
	They could but won't and who is going to stop them?Not one reader here has the power to change congress.All we can do is whine about the prices.Well that is what this forum is about.It sure is'nt going to change anything.
Terryforegolf Veteran Author Lansing Posts:437 Points:293,520 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:15:59 AM	Ignore Terryforegolf Report Abuse
	To little to late. Big OIL will still control the prices based on volume they produce.
z1000 All-Star Author Indianapolis Posts:682 Points:126,495 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:14:29 AM	Ignore z1000 Report Abuse
	Geesh, we're a nation of wimps. Let's stop buying foreign oil and suck up the consequences. So you can't go to the mall on the weekends, waah. Suck it up for the good of the country.
krell58 Champion Author Missouri Posts:4,001 Points:799,205 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 7/21/2008 10:12:57 AM	Ignore krell58 Report Abuse
	Watch the Energy Non-Crisis. http://tinyurl.com/33l95c