Energy prices are driven primarily by a balance between supply and demand. With Americans facing record energy prices, Congress should embrace policies that will expand production and boost energy supplies. FreedomWorks activists have been visiting congressional offices in recent weeks to deliver the message that we need a sensible energy policy that promotes secure and reliable forms of energy at stable prices. What is not needed is sound bit politics that will create red tape and drive up the costs of energy.

On behalf of nearly 850,000 FreedomWorks members nationwide, I respectfully urge you to VOTE YES on the Gas Petroleum Refiner Improvement and Community Empowerment Act of 2007, or the Gas Price Act, Senator James Inhofe’s (R-OK) amendment to the energy bill currently before the Senate. This amendment would help stem the rise of gas prices by pushing for energy independence through an increase in domestic refinery capacity. This amendment would encourage more domestic oil production by easing the regulatory permitting process for the expansion of present refineries as well as the construction of new facilities. In addition, it would spur broader capacity and efficiency by reducing environmental permit hurdles and encouraging construction on closed military bases.

Denver’s new global warming “Climate Action Plan,” is compromised from the top. The co-chairman of the task force, Benita Duran, is also an executive with the global firm CH2M HILL. Headquartered in Denver, CH2M HILL’s businesses include carbon offset consulting, renewable energy services, and supply- and demand-side energy management. The firm had over $4.5 billion in revenues last year. CH2M HILL is also a “major donor” to Mayor John Hicklenlooper’s political campaign giving $1,500 on April 30, 2007.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA. On June 1st, FreedomWorks members attended the NC Republican Convention to meet various officials and spread the word about the Freedom Agenda.  Pictured below is volunteer leader Molly Black having Congresswoman Myrick to sign our Panda energy campaign sticker.

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA.  FreedomWorks volunteer leaders Gerald Anderson and Bill Lack met with Bruce Peterson, the District Director for Congressman Heath Shuler, to discuss HR 2262 and other issues.  During the 30 minute meeting, FreedomWorks made the the case that we did not need more regulations and price controls on domestic refining and distribution.  Rep. Shuler has not yet taken a position on this legislation.  

On behalf of hundreds of thousands of FreedomWorks members nationwide, I urge you to vote “No” on S. 3036, the Lieberman-Warner “Climate Security Act.” The Act, which proposes to curb greenhouse gases, would significantly hamstring the economy of the United States by burdening taxpayers and risking thousands of jobs as our global competitiveness vanishes under a flood of regulations, taxes, and higher costs.

On behalf of nearly 850,000 FreedomWorks members nationwide, I respectfully urge you to VOTE NO on H.R. 1252, the Federal Price Gouging Protection Act sponsored by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI). This legislation would make it a federal crime to sell crude oil, gas, natural gas or petroleum at a price that is “unconscionably excessive” or “takes unfair advantage” of unordinary market conditions. This legislation mandates severe fines for any violations including market manipulation, false price reporting and unconscionable prices.

Today President Bush reiterated desire for a mandatory fuel standard that requires 35 billion gallons of renewable and other alternative fuels in the next ten years and to significantly increase the stringency of fuel standards in the motor vehicle fleet. Matt Kibbe, President and CEO of FreedomWorks commented:

Global warming regulations backed by the General Electric Company, DuPont, Caterpillar and Lehman Brothers will cause higher energy prices and slower economic growth concludes a report by the Free Enterprise Education Institute. The report reviews a study by the Federal Energy Information Agency (EIA) of the Clinton-Gore Administration on the cost of implementing a cap and trade system in the U. S.