Congressional Candidate Discusses Rising Gas Prices

At a recent discussion Congressional Candidate for the Sixth District, Leigh-Ann Bellew, when asked about the impact rising gas prices may have on family summer vacations, stated that she was "concerned that families may be faced with the difficult decision to shorten, if not entirely cancel, their travel plans due to the price of gas." Candidate Bellew pointed out that, among other things, America must decrease its reliance on foreign oil to aide in reducing gasoline prices.

She pointed to a bill recently passed by the House of Representatives, the "American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act," that would assist in achieving the goal of relief for the millions of families already buckling under the high cost of gas. However, it was also noted that the current Representative for the Sixth District, Frank Pallone, apparently is not concerned with providing that relief because he voted against the bill.

United States production of crude oil has decreased by nearly 50% over the past 20 years while Pallone has been in office. The "American-Made Energy" bill could aid in reversing that trend by providing access to an estimated 30 billion barrel oil reserve in Alaska. Accessing the reserve would help reduce the escalation of gas prices and is something the people of Alaska overwhelmingly support. However, "relief at the gas pump is hitting the partisan wall of political agendas of those like Mr. Pallone, and that hurts all Americans."

Rather than continue the current obstructionist tactics of her opponent, Bellew stated she would support a comprehensive policy that, not only decreases reliance on foreign oil and increases oil supply, but also expands research and use of alternative fuels and promotes a clean environment. She pointed out that these are not mutually exclusive alternatives. Pursuing these ends, said Bellew, "is too important to our economy and the livelihood of every American family."