SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 47

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

5638L.01I

            Whereas, gasoline, one of the main products refined from crude oil, accounts for approximately 17% of the energy consumed in the United States; and

            Whereas, the cost to produce and deliver gasoline to consumers includes the cost of crude oil to refiners, refinery processing costs, marketing and distribution costs, and finally the retail station costs and taxes. The prices paid by consumers at the pump reflect these costs, as well as the profits of refiners, marketers, distributors, and retail station owners; and

            Whereas, in 2003, the price of crude oil averaged $28.50 per barrel, and crude oil accounted for about 44% of the cost of a gallon of regular grade gasoline. In 2008, the price of a barrel of crude oil soared to an all-time high of more than $100 per barrel, resulting in the average price of gasoline rising to more than $3 per gallon. Gasoline prices are already exceeding $3.00 per gallon and will undoubtedly go higher in the peak summer months; and

            Whereas, while federal, state, and local taxes account for approximately 27% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline, refining costs and profits comprise about 15% of the retail price of gasoline, and distribution, marketing, and retail dealer costs and profits combined make up 14% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline, the primary component driving up the cost of gasoline prices in 2008 is the unprecedented price of crude oil; and

            Whereas, events in the crude oil market have been a major factor in all of the recent rises in gasoline prices, including OPEC crude oil production cuts and turmoil in key oil producing countries; and

            Whereas, in addition to the steep rise in crude oil prices, problems with petroleum infrastructure in the United States, such as refineries and pipelines, have contributed to the recent increased cost of gasoline. Refineries in the United States are operating at maximum capacity and are experiencing difficulty in keeping up with the demand for gasoline in this country; and

            Whereas, in addition, some areas of the United States are required to use special oxygenated, reformulated, and low-volatility gasolines due to environmental programs aimed at reducing carbon monoxide, smog, and air toxins. Other environmental programs restrict the transportation and storage of gasoline; and

            Whereas, with a number of states passing legislation to restrict the use of the gasoline additive MTBE, large changes to gasoline production and distribution are required; and

            Whereas, with the recent unprecedented rise in crude oil prices and the problems with the petroleum infrastructure in the United States, it is imperative that the United States explore a number of avenues to reduce our nation's demand on foreign oil and increase the supply of gasoline in this country:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fourth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the United States Congress to investigate the recent sharp rise in gasoline prices in the United States and explore ways to reduce the price of gasoline, including utilization of alternate fuels; 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 each member of the Missouri Congressional Delegation.