For Immediate Release: June 9, 2022
Contact: Ryan Hite, Communications Director
Washington D.C.: “Gas prices are at an unprecedented high, with no signs they’ll get better any time soon,” said Ed Martin, president of Phyllis Schlafly Eagles. “On the contrary, Biden’s energy policies are marching us backward in time, blocking American innovation in energy production. Headlines indicate that the massive LyondellBasell Industries oil refinery in Houston may close earlier than planned due to major equipment malfunctions. This will certainly skyrocket the already staggering fuel shortages and prices in America.”
The refinery, which was built in 1918 and spans 700 acres, is scheduled to shut down at the end of 2023. However, if the refinery sees any sort of major equipment failure, it could shut down sooner. The Houston refinery is one of the 25 largest oil refineries in the United States, processing over two hundred thousand barrels of oil per day.
“The century-old infrastructure of the plant makes upgrading a major financial burden that simply isn’t viable,” Martin continued. “Instead of unleashing companies to explore and produce affordable traditional energy, the Biden Administration is strangling the energy market. The Covid-19 pandemic drove gas and diesel demand down, putting the oil industry in a tight financial situation. Now the rapid demand buildup is being met with Biden’s crippling energy restrictions and American families are the ones feeling the squeeze.”
Martin concluded, “The U.S. hasn’t built a new major oil refinery in over 50 years. Why isn’t Congress talking about this? If sending $40 billion to Ukraine was on the table, why can’t we at least aid our own citizens by not regulating traditional energy into oblivion? Congress must move now, in spite of the Executive Branch, to slash red tape on the energy industry, because all of us are paying the price.”
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