THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF WEST VIRGINIA CONGRESSWOMAN SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO.

WASHINGTON – In her continued effort to seek solutions for high energy costs, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) voted today to support legislation calling on the President to halt oil shipments to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

Suspending oil shipments to the SPR stands to increase the available market-supply of oil and could lead to an estimated 24 cent reduction in the per-gallon price of gasoline.

“West Virginians are struggling everyday with the price of gasoline, and Mountain State families are looking for solutions,” said Capito. “In addition to temporary efforts that may provide some relief, we must invest in a comprehensive energy policy that actually creates new sources of domestic energy. From clean coal, to natural gas exploration to domestic oil exploration, we must move past the political posturing and invest for the future.”

Since signing a letter to the President in Noember, Capito has continued to advocate for a temporary suspension of shipments to the SPR.

“We are writing to urge that you suspend shipments of oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” wrote Capito and her House colleagues in November of 2007. “We hear from our constituencies daily about the financial strain of increasing gasoline prices…. Filling the SPR, without regard to crude oil prices and the availability of supplies, drives oil prices higher and ultimately hurts consumers.”

Continuing her advocacy in an address to the House last week, Capito spoke of her support for increased fuel economy standards as a mechanism for conservation. She also called for a long-term solution that leads to real stability in the price of energy and has supported anti-price gouging legislation to protect consumers.