Washington, DC– Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) joined a letter to the Biden Administration calling for an increase in the production of domestic energy in response to the recent invasion of Ukraine and high prices at the pump. Fellow Texas Democrats Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) also signed the letter.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote:

“The U.S. is the largest producer of oil and natural gas, and recently became the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). We have the resources and expertise to strengthen our economy and reduce the world’s reliance on Russian energy. For the first time since 2008, Americans are paying an average of more than $4 per gallon at the pump largely due to our dependence on foreign oil and restrictions on domestic production. While we understand and applaud your administration’s commitment to address climate change, the U.S. abides by the most stringent regulations making our oil and natural gas the cleanest in the world.”

The lawmakers added, “Now is the time to take practical steps to promote long-term American energy production and lower costs for American consumers, drive down global emissions, and demonstrate to the rest of the world that they can rely on American oil and natural gas for their energy needs well into the future. Specifically, we call on you to encourage the Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Department of the Interior (DOI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other agencies to adopt clear policies that ensure consistency, transparency, and timeliness for American energy investments. Domestic energy producers, refiners, and exporters are ready, willing, and able to work with your administration to give our allies access to a reliable source of energy and provide relief to American consumers.

We cannot wait for tomorrow to do what needs to be done today. We must unleash responsible domestic production to counter reliance on Russian oil and gas, while simultaneously cutting off Russia’s largest source of revenue. Now is the time to regain our energy independence and support our allies around the globe.”

The full letter can be found here.

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