Blake Farenthold: “Since the time President Obama took office in 2009, the price of gasoline has more than doubled, rising from $1.53 a…”

“Since the time President Obama took office in 2009, the price of gasoline has more than doubled, rising from $1.53 a gallon to $3.52. America has become more dependent on foreign oil, undermining our national security while forcing hardworking Americans to endure budget-busting gasoline prices. When you fill up your car, it's not the oil companies you should be blaming; it's the White House. Excessive government regulation, the fact that offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is all but shut down, and the attempt to end the tax incentives for oil exploration are all factors. The culture of ``no'' from the executive branch is killing us. Add to that the lack of any action in light of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, Egypt, and Libya, in particular, and we have a failure of leadership at the top of this country. Energy is key to our economy. Scores of jobs rely on it. And $3.50 gasoline is unacceptable. I call on the President to act today. Call off the EPA. Issue those leases and permits in the gulf. Open America's land for drilling. And quit demonizing the oil and gas industry. ____________________”