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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Debbee Keller

July 1, 2008 (202) 225-3484

**Declaring Energy Independence:**

**Hensarling Discusses Solutions to High Energy Prices**

CANTON--- Less than 72 hours before East Texans will begin celebrating
the 232^nd^ anniversary of our nation's independence, U.S. Congressman
Jeb Hensarling (TX-05) demanded the creation of a new independence day
-- American ENERGY Independence Day. He proposed solutions for driving
down the cost of energy for East Texas families and businesses that
would make Americans less reliant on foreign sources of energy.

Hensarling focused on East Texans' physical financial security as the
motivators behind his call for more American-made energy. Hensarling
said, "**I hear from families, small business owners and emergency
responders, and the message remains the same: the high cost of energy is
out of control and they need immediate relief."** He added**, "In 18
months, the price of bread has increased 71 percent; milk, 26 percent;
eggs, 34 percent, and the price of fuel has increased 75 percent. All
over America, families are going to convenience stores and having to
decide whether to buy a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas. Families are
in pain**."

One major factor contributing to the crisis is a decrease in supply with
an increase in demand. Currently, the U.S. consumes two-thirds of the
world's crude oil but produces only one-third of the world-wide supply
of energy, meaning we must rely on countries like Saudi Arabia and
Venezuela for our fuel. Meanwhile, major economies such as China and
India have increased their demand. Their increase in demand paired with
our limited supply results in sharp increases of gas prices at home.

The main problem, Hensarling contends, is that current law prevents
Americans from accessing the majority of its own energy. Currently, 85
percent of the nation's deep-sea resources and 75 percent of our onshore
resources are restricted. Hensarling believes if we want to decrease
energy prices, we must increase supply by utilizing the resources
already available in the U.S.

"**I believe the number one factor causing high energy prices is our
failure as a nation to permit America's energy to be made in America,**"
said Hensarling.

Our nation's dependence on foreign oil is hitting East Texans hard, and
families and business leaders are not alone. Among the Van Zandt County
residents in attendance at Hensarling's discussion were first responders
from the Canton Fire Department and the Canton Police Department. Fire
Chief Charles Brazhaw reported to Hensarling's office that almost the
entire fuel budget for 2008 has already been spent, with six months left
in the year. Meanwhile, the Canton Police Department said that one of
the consequences of rising fuel costs will be a decrease in regular
patrols, which will increase the department's response time.

Hensarling highlighted the toll that a failed national energy policy
takes on rural East Texas communities. He said, "**So many times, the
problems that we see on the national news seem so far away from East
Texas, but this one is affecting each and every community in this
district."**

In an effort to combat the growing energy crisis, Hensarling is fighting
to expand American energy production to reduce our dependence on foreign
oil imports. Since coming to Congress, he has consistently supported
legislation that would remove roadblocks put in place by the federal
government to expand exploration and production of American sources of
energy. 

Hensarling supports expanding American energy exploration and production
of deep-sea resources and in Arctic Alaska, expanding domestic refining
capacity, and reducing the number of boutique fuels.

Hensarling has also introduced legislation (H.R. 5656) that repeals a
law that threatens national security and energy security by preventing
the government from developing alternative fuels sources from materials
that are found abundantly in the United States and Canada, such as coal,
oil shale, and tar sands.

As the former officer of a green energy company, Hensarling recognizes
the importance of renewable energy and has constantly supported
renewable energy technologies. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, which
Hensarling supported, contained \$4 billion for a hydrogen fuel cell
program, with the goal of launching hydrogen fuel cars by the year 2020.
In addition, \$3 billion was dedicated to developing affordable,
efficient and renewable energy technologies. Hensarling has also
supported extending the renewable electricity production credit, the H
Prize that would offer cash prizes for achievements in the development
of hydrogen energy technologies, millions for bio mass research, and
millions for solar research.

According to the Energy Information Administration renewable energy
sources -- hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, solar, and biomass -- only
met about 7% of America's total energy needs in 2006, Hensarling
believes Congress needs to take action to increase American energy
immediately.

**"Without a doubt, renewable energy is a crucial piece of the puzzle. I
believe in it,"** said Hensarling. **"But I also know that, as promising
as these technologies are, they will not be commercially viable for
probably ten, fifteen and, in some cases, twenty years**.

**"To solve this problem, it will take a balanced approach of dealing
with both the supply of energy as well as the demand for energy**.
**Washington has tried to beg, sue, and tax a way to cheaper energy**.
**Washington has tried everything but increase production.** **If we
want prices to come down, we have to increase the supply of American
energy. I want to see more signs that read, 'Made in the U.S.A.'"**

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