On the recordJune 6, 2012
I reserve a point of order on the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The point of order is reserved. Pursuant to the order of the House of Tuesday, June 5, 2012, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) and a Member opposed each will control 10 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon. Mr. DeFAZIO. This is a very, very dramatic map. The colors indicate gasoline prices across America as of last week by county. As you can see, the entire west coast of the United States is in bright red. Now we often hear from the oil and gas industry that prices are set internationally. This is an international market. You have to understand that. Well, that's kind of interesting. Crude oil prices are down dramatically. U.S. production of crude is up a million-and-a-half barrels a day. We're exporting gasoline from the United States of America. But somehow we're missing that international market on the west coast. We're being price gouged on the west coast of the United States through a series of rather interesting or perhaps suspicious circumstances. The largest refinery in Washington State, Cherry Point, experienced a fire in February, and it's been quite a bit of time in recovery. It's been delayed several times. It's now coming back online. But given the fact that it was known that the largest refinery in the Northwest was offline, one would think that other refineries in California would endeavor to stay online, particularly as we begin the summer driving season.…
