The Hill News

During the past week, gas prices have shot up dramatically, increasing by an average of 13 cents per gallon. Industry experts predict record high gas prices by Memorial Day, drastically reducing summer vacation travel and causing a negative impact on our Nation’s travel and tourism industry. I am concerned that President Obama will shoulder the blame for this increase in gas prices and leave his administration vulnerable to Republican attacks claiming that Democratic policies stifle job creation and economic recovery.

Mitt Romney will eventually secure the Republican nomination for president. Mr. Romney makes no attempt to hide the fact that he plans to attack the Obama administration on its handling of the economy and the lack of job growth. Another area that Republicans will attack President Obama is on our nation’s current energy policies.  It will not be difficult for the GOP to connect the dots between government regulations supported by the Obama A! dministration and higher gas prices.

In response to the public’s sticker shock at the pump, the White House and Congressional Democrats must do more than to just blame Wall Street speculators and/or collusion by the oil industry. The blame game makes for good press opportunities, but it won't bring down the price of gasoline.
My suggestion is that the administration and its allies in Congress identify the federal regulations that are creating problems for the oil and gas industry and seek to modify them as soon as possible. Providing energy producers with greater leeway to operate and expand production will result in reduced gas prices and lower unemployment.

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