Mike Levin: “The editorial, in the Omaha World Herald, dated August 14, reads: In general, we are strong supporters of keeping the…”

“The editorial, in the Omaha World Herald, dated August 14, reads: In general, we are strong supporters of keeping the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve at or near capacity in case of a national emergency. However, there is such a thing as bad timing. We believe the administration has been making a mistake by refilling the reserve to the tune of about 11 million barrels since the start of May. Commercial U.S. oil stocks have been low for months. Filling the reserve just now puts upward pressure on prices. . . . Washington should back off until oil prices fall somewhat. Doing otherwise is costing the Treasury unnecessarily and is punishing motorists during summer vacation driving time. Under our amendment DOE would retain the complete discretion to determine the pace and schedule for filling the SPR. However, DOE would be required to issue procedures to guide this discretion, and would be required to consider how to maximize our national energy security and minimize costs to the taxpayers while filling the SPR. If implemented properly, such procedures can promote our national energy security, save taxpayers money, and lower oil and gasoline prices for consumers.”