I have to tell you, I am very troubled by what has come out that indicates that essentially something like 12 paragraphs of what industry has proposed were essentially enacted verbatim.

The Freedom of Information Act was never intended to justify withholding information from the Congress.

I am going to put a hold on your upcoming appointees until the agency is responsive on that question.

I am very concerned that there are administration policies being pursued now that are going to push gasoline prices up even higher.

I would also urge that you undertake this investigation expeditiously to ensure there is sufficient time to take appropriate action before the refinery closure takes place.

I just think it sure looks like the oil companies are using higher oil prices as an excuse to increase their refinery margins and pad the bottom line.

To me it is not rocket science. Supply is really short.

But Mr. Chairman and colleagues, for the life of me, I cannot figure out why the Federal Trade Commission will do absolutely nothing to even investigate the Bakersfield refinery closure because this goes right to the heart of making sure…

I know everybody's schedule is busy.

This Bakersfield closure does not smell right. It does not add up and it has great implications for the entire west coast market.

Given that, would you not say that it is a bad time for the Federal Government to adopt policies that would further reduce oil supply?

It just strikes me as incoherent, but I want to give you a chance to respond.

Now, the oil companies say that it is not their fault, but I have released evidence indicating that the companies have deliberately curtailed refining capacity and increased their refinery margins, actions that boost gasoline prices higher.

At least you have given me an argument to go back to the Federal Trade Commission to use in terms of making the inquiry because to me, again, this is pretty obvious.

I think you are just sort of incredulous at this.

So you think it could be a problem.

But the administration is pursuing a policy that is doing just that, that would, in effect, compound what you think is a bad idea.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Senator Bingaman again for his thoughtfulness.