Corn Files Resolution Requesting Opening of Strategic Petroleum Reserve

In response to the recent independent truckers strike protesting the increasingly high cost of fuel, state Senator Kenneth Corn has filed a resolution requesting that the President open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for increased sales. Senate Concurrent Resolution 64 also calls upon Congress to formulate a national energy policy and investigate the profits of energy industries.

Corn said the President should open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to counterbalance high costs and reduce the risk of further strikes and economic hardship.

“The current crisis presents all the justification our government needs to open the reserves and offset soaring prices,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “An incredible increase in the cost of fuel has adversely affected numerous sectors of our economy. It’s time to open the reserves and provide relief not only for independent truckers but for every American.”

Corn said soaring fuel prices also point to the need for a comprehensive national energy policy that will guarantee adequate amounts of energy at reasonable costs. Corn said a comprehensive energy policy is also a pressing national security concern.

“The consequences of dependency on imported oil should be self-evident to our nation’s leaders,” Corn said. “Since our nation is among the world’s leading oil consumers, it only makes sense to take measures that guarantee an adequate supply at a fair price. Failure to plan ahead in this regard leaves us at a disadvantage on a variety of critical foreign policy issues.”

Corn noted that concerns regarding energy independence have been voiced with regularity in recent years. Just two years ago, President Bush spoke about the dangers of America’s addiction to imported oil in his State of the Union address, yet little has been done to address the issue.

“Our nation’s leaders have been quick to pay lip service to energy independence, but when faced with the opportunity to act they have failed to form a consensus,” Corn said. “With oil prices nearing record highs and turmoil in the world’s leading energy producing regions, we no longer have time to drag our feet on the issue. It’s time to open the reserves and develop a plan to end our addiction to unsecured and uncertain foreign energy.”