[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             GAS SHORTAGES

  Mrs. DOLE. Madam President, we all know high gas prices are the 
source of tremendous frustration to individuals, families, and 
businesses alike. I am greatly discouraged that yet another week has 
gone by and no action on a comprehensive energy policy has taken root 
in the Senate. Our country deserves better than the lack of leadership 
in Washington that has been shown on this issue the past 2 years.
  We need a comprehensive energy policy, but right now in North 
Carolina we just need more gasoline. My State faces a gas shortage of 
crisis proportions. In western North Carolina, Asheville-Buncombe 
Technical Community College and Southwestern Community College have 
both canceled classes for the rest of this week because students and 
professors cannot get to class. My office has been assisting senior 
citizens who need help getting to doctor appointments because public 
transportation systems are struggling to meet increased demand. 
Businesses are closing early, cars are being left on the side of the 
road, and families are staying home just to conserve gasoline. The 
ripple effects of this gas shortage are resonating throughout North 
Carolina and the Southeast.
  I know folks in western North Carolina are being particularly hard 
hit, and I want them to know I have heard them and we are acting to 
bring relief. My office has been in daily contact with constituents, 
State and local officials, gasoline refiners and distributors, and our 
Federal agencies. In response to the shortage, today my colleague, 
Senator Richard Burr, and I have written to the Secretary of Energy 
requesting him to tap the International Energy Agency's emergency 
gasoline and diesel fuel supply. An IEA release can help alleviate some 
of the supply constraints we are feeling in the United States. This is 
a prudent and responsible step which is on the scale of our efforts 
post-Katrina and Rita, and there is no reason the Secretary of Energy 
should not take this action.
  Additionally, Senator Burr and I have introduced legislation today 
that will help prevent in the future a situation such as the one we 
find ourselves in today. The Motor Fuel Supply and Distribution 
Improvement Act of 2008 will reduce the proliferation of boutique fuels 
and streamline the process of getting more affordable and reliable 
product to western North Carolina, Charlotte, the Southeast, and across 
the country. With this legislation, we will no longer have to rely on 
an EPA Administrator to issue a waiver in times of crisis or be held 
victim to a policy that creates hurdles to getting gasoline to 
consumers when they need it most.
  We also know this particular shortage is a result of Hurricanes 
Gustav and Ike, which devastated the gulf coast and its infrastructure. 
Being from a State that has been hit by its fair share of hurricanes, 
my heart goes out to the people of the gulf who have endured far too 
much disaster for one lifetime, and we will do everything possible to 
support them and help them rebuild.
  Of strategic consequence, however, the refinery and pipeline closures 
in the gulf as a result of the storms highlight a glaring energy 
security issue for our country. It makes little sense to have a quarter 
of our country's refining capacity located so densely in one area. We 
have far too few oil refineries in America, and right now in North 
Carolina we are experiencing the harmful consequences of a policy that 
has greatly inhibited the building of new refineries in America.
  We need to get to work building new refineries right here at home. In 
fact, for years I have been calling for streamlining regulations so 
more refineries can get built, only to have special interests stand in 
the way. The Gas Petroleum Rifiner Improvement and Community 
Empowerment Act, or Gas PRICE Act, which I have supported since 2005, 
would streamline the process for the construction and operation of a 
refinery so we can build additional refineries and create new jobs in 
North Carolina and throughout the Southeast. This is a sensible 
approach that would expand refinery capacity and lower gas prices.
  Significantly, with this plan, our country would no longer be so 
dependent on one area to provide us with so much of our gasoline. As we 
saw in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we need to expand 
refining capacity and production so that even in the face of crisis 
situations our fuel supply system continues to function and support 
American businesses and consumers.
  Now Hurricanes Gustav and Ike have reinforced that same message. 
North Carolinians can no longer afford Congress's inaction on our 
energy future. It is time to put the special interests aside and do 
what is right for our country.
  Madam President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wisconsin is recognized.
  Mr. KOHL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak in 
morning business for approximately 6 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. KOHL. Thank you, Madam President.

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