FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 24

91^ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2070L.01I

Whereas, recent high fuel prices have alerted us to the need to improve our nation's policies on fuel production; and

Whereas, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has recently suggested that they will reduce crude oil production again in an attempt to manipulate prices; and

Whereas, reductions in crude oil production have resulted in sharp increases in prices for natural gas, gasoline and home heating oil; and

Whereas, the United States has become dangerously dependent on foreign petroleum; 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 by increasing domestic production and encouraging 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 Ninety-first General Assembly, First 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) Enacting reasonable price supports for domestically produced crude oil and in other ways 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.

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