Strategic Production Response Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the Strategic Production Response Act.

The President sold an unprecedented amount of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which was constructed to be used solely during national emergencies. I regret that the President has instead used it as a political tool to attempt to lower gas prices.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing is this administration's constant demonization not just of fossil fuels but of the very men and women who work so hard to produce them.

It is vital for a business to have regulatory certainty to ensure price stability, and President Biden's lack of guidance has created the most unclear times for the energy industry in modern history. You can't attack the oil and gas industry, say you want to put them out of business, and then complain when gas prices go up.

It is critical for the SPR to be accessible to the most vulnerable citizens at times of crisis: wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

All over the country, including in my home of Utah, there are abundant fossil fuels that can be cleanly and responsibly developed on Federal lands that could be used to replenish the SPR for times of real crisis.

This is why I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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