NTU urges all Representatives to vote "YES" on H.R.21 the Strategic Production Response Act.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is an important safeguard put in place to ensure the U.S. has an ample supply of energy in times of extreme disaster or crisis. The Strategic Production Response Act would ensure that this essential stockpile is not utilized without first taking measured actions to secure the supply of petroleum by directing the Secretary of Energy to provide a plan to replace any drawdowns with an increase of domestic leasing for oil and gas drilling on federal lands.
The SPR is the nation’s emergency crude oil supply, and it should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Last year, the Biden administration executed the largest sell-off in the history of the SPR in a misguided effort to lower fuel prices at a time of skyrocketing inflation.
The federal government has a responsibility to all taxpayers to ensure that the SPR maintains an adequate level to provide for unforeseen emergencies, natural disasters, and extreme domestic crises and that the reserve is used only when absolutely necessary. By tying releases from the reserve to increased leasing opportunities the federal government is ensuring an adequate reserve and protecting against potential disruption in the supply chain during future crises.
Roll call votes on H.R.21 will be included in NTU’s annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Policy and Government Affairs Manager Alex Milliken at Amilliken@ntu.org.