$4.20 a gallon diesel, $3.79 a gallon gasoline, $4.10 heating oil. American families are being stretched. The “not in my back yard” concerns and liberal environmental lobby groups have played a major role in our ever increasing fuel prices by obstructing and opposing any effort to build or expand oil refineries. The United States has not built a new refinery in over 25 years. Our existing refineries are operating at capacity. When one refinery suffers a fire, mechanical break down or is impacted by a storm, as was the case with hurricane Katrina gasoline prices increase overnight.
The “Peace Dividend” of the early 1990’s can continue. There are many dormant military bases across our country which were closed after the end of the Cold War. Many of which are in very strategic locations and have existing infustructure such as rail road and/or nautical access. These bases are vast in size and can certainly accommodate a refinery.
I propose that several of these closed military bases be used to construct new oil refineries. The land can be leased to the oil companies. Many small towns across America were severely impacted when the base closures occurred. Thousands of civilian jobs were lost and local economies suffered. The construction of new refineries on some of these vacant bases means many new jobs, not only in the construction, but once on line, the operation and support needs will create thousands of permanent new jobs.
Once new refineries are on line, our domestic gasoline and diesel supplies would increase, thus reducing the price per gallon. This is not a quick fix. A refinery can take several years to construct. We must start now. The President could appoint an independent commission of oil industry experts to review and choose the best locations across the United States . The President, by Executive Order could also waive the years of endless “red tape” and limit regulations to get these refineries in operation. Since these bases are still owned by the US Government, many environmental regulations do not apply. If built and maintained properly, these refineries operate in a clean and safe manner.
The oil companies would invest billions of private dollars in these refineries with the anticipated profits in mind. Let the free market work. The production of domestic fuel is vital or our national security and economic well being. These bases were originally built for our national defense. They should once again be used for that purpose. Now is the time to act. Delays will only cause ever higher prices. I urge you to take this issue under consideration.