Mississippi 4th District Congressman Steven Palazzo has introduced a bill that would increase production of oil and gas when the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is tapped.
H.R. 6176, the Strategic Production Response Act, would prohibit the Secretary of Energy from tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for reasons other than a severe energy supply interruption until the Secretary of Interior issues a plan to increase oil and gas production on federal lands and waters.
On November 23, 2021, President Biden announced that the Department of Energy would release 50 million barrels of oil from the SPR.
“This announcement did not include any plan to increase U.S. energy production. This federal order is a desperate attempt to reduce fuel prices that skyrocketed due to the President’s failed policies.
“As a former oil rig worker and current Member of Congress, I know the critical importance of American energy independence. Our country must cut back on our reliance on foreign oil, and to do this, domestic production of oil, natural gas, and clean coal will need to increase. This legislation will support our energy independence and protect Mississippian’s wallets at the pump,” said Congressman Palazzo.
This legislation is the House of Representatives companion to Senate bill 3287. Read more about the bill here.
