Washington- Today, House Republicans introduced a discharge petition in an effort to force the Democratic Majority to schedule a vote on Rep. Pitts’ legislation to build oil refineries on closed military bases. H.R. 2279 would call for the Administration to identify three military bases slated for closure under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission that would be suitable for locating new oil refineries. The plan would eliminate one of the major hurdles impeding the building of new refineries: finding land.

Congressman Pitts’ statement follows:

“We haven’t built a new oil refinery in the United States in over 30 years. As a result, our ability to refine oil and supply gas and diesel to consumers has not kept pace with the growth in demand. No matter how much crude oil is made available, the United States simply does not have the capacity to refine it. This bill represents a win-win situation. We can strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure while filling a void left by departing servicemen."

Background

This legislation passed in the House in 2005 as an amendment to a larger energy-related bill, but was never considered in the Senate.  It was reintroduced in the 110th Congress.  With gas prices approaching record highs across the country, the need has never been greater to increase our nation’s refining capacity.  Experts say that expanding our refining capability could significantly decrease the volatility in domestic gas prices.

The discharge petition is a House procedural motion.  If a majority of the Members in the House (218) sign onto the petition, the bill must be brought up for a vote on the House floor.

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