Return to the Missouri House of RepresentativesWhereas, recent high fuel prices have alerted us to the need to improve our nation's policies on fuel production; and
Whereas, early in 1999, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed to reduce crude oil production to only five million barrels a day; and
Whereas, this reduction in crude oil production has resulted in a natural gas price increase of over thirty percent in the last two years, a nine-year high for gasoline prices and a one hundred thirty-three percent increase in home heating oil in a recent five-week period; and
Whereas, with the tripling of the price of crude oil to over thirty dollars a barrel, crude oil prices have now reached their highest level since the 1991 Persian Gulf War; and
Whereas, Missouri consumers are experiencing higher prices at the pump and in home heating costs, and the economic stability of many areas of the state which rely on tourism may be jeopardized if the number of persons traveling to Missouri's vacation destinations is significantly reduced due to increased gasoline prices; and
Whereas, the trucking industry, heavily dependent on the availability and price of gasoline and diesel fuel, has been especially hard hit by the increase in fuel costs that have resulted in a significant increase in the transportation costs associated with the delivery of consumer goods throughout the state. Such an increase in cost to the trucking industry will inevitably be passed along to consumers as an increase in the price of consumer goods; and
Whereas, the increased petroleum fuel costs is particularly detrimental to Missouri family farmers because it comes at a time when overall market prices are low; and
Whereas, fuel prices could be reduced through the development of markets for products that can be used as the source material for renewable alternative fuels:
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninetieth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the United States Congress to actively address the issue of fuel prices and take immediate actions necessary to reduce our nation's dependency on foreign petroleum sources and boost our own economy by:
(1) Encouraging exploration for domestic petroleum sources in a manner that does not adversely impact the environment;
(2) Encouraging and creating incentives for fuel conservation measures that do not harm the economy; and
(3) Encouraging and creating incentives for research, development and use of alternative fuel sources, including ethanol and other fuels made from renewable materials that would not only reduce our dependency on foreign petroleum, but also have the potential to improve environmental protection and boost local economies; and
Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate and each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation.
Offered by Representatives Bill Gratz and Steve GawReturn to the Missouri House of Representatives