FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 22

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1688L.01I

Whereas, the price of natural gas in the United States, already the highest in the industrial world, has again spiked and shows continued volatility; and

            Whereas, the current price of natural gas is equivalent to paying $16.00 for a gallon of milk, $12.70 for a pound of ground beef, or $9.21 for a gallon of gasoline; and

            Whereas, abnormally high natural gas prices have been a $111 billion unanticipated burden on the economy of the United States over the past 18 months; and

            Whereas, the United States is over reliant on natural gas in our national energy supply, creating a tremendous imbalance between natural gas supply and demand; and

            Whereas, the manufacturers, farmers, small businesses, local governments, and retailers are struggling from skyrocketing natural gas prices. Further, thousands of jobs in these industries are threatened since many of these businesses use natural gas as a raw material as well as an energy supply; and

            Whereas, the natural gas imbalance is not a free market problem. The high price of natural gas is created by governmental policies that increase demand for natural gas while impeding the development of a greater supply by discouraging more exploration and production. Since natural gas is domestically produced and very hard to import, the United States cannot correct the imbalance by the importation of natural gas; and

            Whereas, the Missouri General Assembly supports a sound, rational domestic energy policy:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-third General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the United States Congress to enact legislation in the 109th Congress establishing a domestic energy policy that will ensure an adequate supply of natural gas and the appropriate infrastructure. Such energy policy should develop a concerted national effort to promote greater energy efficiency and open promising new areas for environmentally responsible natural gas production; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for George W. Bush, President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Missouri Congressional Delegation.