The government's intent was to lower prices for consumers, but Shreve does not expect that to happen because refineries already are operating at capacity and won't be able to put out more of the end product. Use of the reserve also could discourage some new supply from coming into the market, Baker said. Primarily, Shreve wants the government to support domestic production and decrease the country's reliance on foreign oil. He would like to see producers given more access to government-owned land. Aviation Bush and Gore both support free trade and show few differences on an issue of great importance to planemakers, Loomis said.
Aircraft manufacturers benefit from open international markets.
Boeing, for example, sells about 70 percent of its jetliners to foreign airlines. Otherwise, the aviation industry isn't likely to hear much of interest from the candidates, Loomis said. One of the concerns involves a suggestion by the Clinton administration that fuel taxes be replaced with user fees. Such fees might include a charge each time a pilot calls a control tower or lands on a runway. GAMA opposes user fees, Bolen said.