From the Center for American Progress...

<snip>
A Progressive Response to High Oil and Gasoline Prices

May 6, 2005

"We wouldn't be in this situation if Congress had acted and passed a comprehensive national energy policy."
Scott McClellan, White House spokesman, 3/21/04

VERSUS

"An energy bill wouldn't change the price at the pump today. I know that and you know that."
President George W. Bush, 4/20/05

A progressive plan to address high oil and gasoline prices must tackle the complex national security, diplomatic, economic, and environmental policies and objectives that impact them. In the near term, the most effective way to mitigate the impact of high prices on working families is to pursue aggressive policies that reduce demand for oil. Since oil is primarily used for transportation, progressive policies should focus on helping working families afford efficient cars and trucks that reduce their payments at the pump and curb our national oil appetite. Innovative energy policy will also spur creation of good, high-paying jobs to create the cars and fuels of the future.

In contrast, the president's energy plan fails to protect families from continued price spikes, worsens global warming and air pollution, and leaves us dangerously vulnerable to the whims of oil producing states. A 2004 analysis by the administration's own Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that the energy bill backed by the administration will actually raise gas prices and increase oil demand nearly 14 percent by 2010. It is time to move forward with a better alternative that enables families to be part of the solution, taking charge of their own transportation choices and curbing our addiction to oil.


Action is needed

"Until demand growth slows dramatically or supply capacity grows significantly more than seen in recent years, it is unlikely that WTI will fall substantially below $50 per barrel for any significant period of time."
Energy Information Agency, 4/20/05

<more>
<link> http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=669657