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SALT LAKE CITY -- Gasoline prices around the nation have drastically increased over the years, leaving many consumers frustrated at the lack of response from their elected officials.
As prices hover around the four-dollar per gallon range, Congressman Jim Matheson believes he has the answer to the country's growing energy problems.
Utah families recognize that we face a complicated challenge -- one that will take a comprehensive approach to meet. I believe we have to pull all the levers available to us, starting with producing as much oil and natural gas in this country as possible.
–Jim Matheson
In response to the energy dilemma, Matheson has introduced the "Fulfilling
U.S. Energy Leadership (FUEL) Act, a bill he authored to be an "everything on the table" response to gasoline prices and a way to combat the dependence on foreign oil.
"Utah families recognize that we face a complicated challenge -- one that will take a comprehensive approach to meet," said Matheson. "I believe we have to pull all the levers available to us, starting with producing as much oil and natural gas in this country as possible."
The bill is intended to promote research in renewable and alternative energy options, including nuclear energy, in addition to producing sustainable traditional energy methods. All research conducted would have to adopt safety recommendations from the BP Oil Spill Commission report, Matheson said.
The act would make it easier for companies to obtain permits to drill for oil and gas onshore in the United States, on the outer continental shelf and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Regular: $3.761
- Diesel: $3.996
- Regular: $3.648
- Diesel: $4.029
*AAA Fuel Gauge Report
Matheson's bill would establish a Federal Onshore Energy Development Task Force, which includes Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA and other federal agencies. The task force would be required to outline a plan within one year to ease oil and gas applications.
Before the plan is finalized, Matheson said there would be a 60-day period to allow public comments on the proposed plan.
Included in the research phase of the proposed legislation, Matheson said his bill would divide offshore oil royalties between the states and the federal government, with the federal government receiving 75 percent of the royalties. Of the 75 percent, 50 percent will be used to develop new energy technologies through a Next Generation Energy and Efficiency Fund.
"With that money, the Department of Energy can invest in technologies that will -- over the long term -- provide alternative transportation and power options, such as solar, geothermal, marine and hydrokinetic energy, and advanced battery technology and plug-in hybrids," said Matheson. "But the bridge to the future must be built using today's energy sources that power our economy and provide employment now."
Matheson's bill was first introduced in 2008, but failed to make it through the congressional process, dying in the House Agriculture Committee.
E-mail: jfurlong@ksl.com
