As a result of the national inflation crisis, Alabamians of late have seen their purchasing power steadily diminish. Serving to further exacerbate consumers’ economic woes is the recent spike in fuel costs.
According to AAA Gas Prices, Alabamians on average are paying $3.91 per gallon for regular gasoline, representing a 55% increase from last year’s average cost of $2.51 per gallon during the same time period.
Contrast this to the state’s average cost per gallon of regular gasoline just a week prior to the 2020 presidential election, when Alabamians were paying on average just $1.89 per gallon. Since the election of President Joe Biden, Alabama consumers are paying on average 106% more at the pump.
The uptick in fuel costs have led to increased scrutiny of the Biden administration’s reversal of Trump-era energy policies in favor of the Democratic Party’s progressive climate agenda.
On his first day in office, Biden axed the Trump-approved permit for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline which would have allowed North American-produced crude oil to be transported to various regions across the United States. Additionally, the Biden administration paused the issuance of new oil and gas leases and permits to drill on federal lands and waters.
During a recent press call with reporters, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) addressed rising fuel costs when asked about restarting the Keystone XL Pipeline and the topic of domestic energy production.
The senator spoke to what he saw as the need for the United States to once again become energy independent. He pointed to the nation’s reliance on Russian-sourced energy, which he advised was serving to fund President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“Well the Keystone Pipeline brings in 800,000 barrels a day to the United States of America. So, we basically cut a million barrels a day out of our supply,” said Tuberville. “As we speak, we are funding the war – help funding the war – of Russia into Ukraine. They are a one trick pony, Russia is. They have energy and gas. They don’t have much else. And if they can’t sell that their economy folds. The more chaos you have across the world, the higher the prices go up, as they are today, what’s around $110 a barrel. Putin’s making billions of dollars because the gas and oil he’s selling, his bank account continues to rise. So, we have to be energy independent.”
Tuberville continued, “Our economy is struggling and it all starts with energy…shipping prices have gone up double and triple because of gas and oil prices this year… A great economy starts with a great abundance and a secure oil and gas system. And President Biden is against that. He wants this country to be wind, solar, and electric. First of all, where does he think electricity comes from? Most of it comes from gas and oil. Climate change, he says, is our number one priority right now. I would beg to differ that the economy, foreign relations, the border, crime in our streets, education, is much farther ahead of climate change…”
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), who represents Alabama’s energy-producing Gulf region, declared that Biden has been “at war” with the American energy sector.
“Since day one in office, President Biden has been at war with American energy production,” proclaimed Carl in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “Now, folks across Alabama – and the entire country – are paying huge prices at the pump, which affects the price of everything we purchase. It’s obvious our president doesn’t understand basic economics – when supply goes down, prices go up.”
Carl noted his support of Republican-led legislation to ramp up domestic energy production and end the United States’ dependence on foreign energy sources.
“I’m proud to have cosponsored legislation to immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline, expedite U.S. liquid natural gas exports, and end the moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands,” the congressman added. “America has enough resources to meet demand at home and abroad, so let’s unleash American energy immediately and end our reliance on foreign countries.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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