Noriega Calls on Cornyn for Real Solutions and Real Relief for Texans Facing Record Gas Prices

Cornyn's Record on Gas Prices is Running on Empty

Houston, TX -- Gas prices soared to their highest recorded prices yet this week, hitting a whopping $3.67 in Texas and a national average of $3.76, according to AAA's fuel gauge report. U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega (D-Houston) is committed to delivering immediate relief to Texans feeling the squeeze at the pump, as well as addressing the root of America's energy problems.

Noriega is calling for comprehensive and commonsense energy reform. In addition to providing immediate relief to Texans facing runaway energy costs, Noriega believes in developing alternative sources of energy, creating high-tech environmental jobs, taking on global warming and freeing the country from its dependence on foreign oil are paramount to a successful national energy policy.

"Voters want real solutions to our soaring gas prices and dependence on foreign oil, but Senator Cornyn is running on empty. Texans are demanding better," said U.S. Senate candidate and Texas State Representative Rick Noriega. "Texas families are working hard to make ends meet in the face of skyrocketing energy costs and stagnant wages. Instead of funding special interest giveaways at the taxpayers' expense, I will put Texas families first with real solutions to address our state's energy needs now and in the future."

This week U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) reiterated his opposition to commonsense solutions that will deliver immediate help to Texas families, as well as comprehensive measures that will reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. Cornyn confirmed his support to drill for more fossil fuels and to do nothing to address the root causes of high gas prices or protect consumers from price-gouging by co-sponsoring the American Energy Production Act, S. 2958. Oil prices have quadrupled and gas prices have more than doubled during Senator Cornyn's time in the Senate. John Cornyn has stood idly by while Texans struggle to fill a tank of gas. For example, Texas Prison Guards in rural counties testified recently before the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice that they cannot afford to drive to work.

"John Cornyn's record for helping Texas families with rising gas prices is running on empty. Texans just can't trust John Cornyn when it comes to helping Americans who are paying more and more every day at the gas pump. For the last five years, Cornyn's answer to our energy crisis has been to drill for more fossil fuels and drill deeper into Americans' pockets. Rick Noriega is committed to putting consumers first, and to fixing the root causes of high gas prices so we have real solutions that bring real relief to Americans, now and for the future," said Tony Gray, campaign spokesperson for Rick Noriega for Texas.

Cornyn: A History of Failure on Solutions to Soaring Gas Prices

Cornyn Voted for $5 Billion in Tax Breaks for Big Oil. In 2006, Cornyn voted for the conference report on H.R. 4297, which included $5 billion in tax breaks for big oil. Cornyn voted for the conference report, even though Republicans added back in two tax loopholes that have allowed the oil industry to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. The conference report passed 54-44. [H.R. 4297, Vote #118, 5/11/2006]

Cornyn Voted Against Temporary Windfall Profits Tax on Oil Companies. In 2005, Cornyn voted against implementing a temporary 50 percent tax on oil company profits from the sale of crude oil. Funds collected from the tax would be used to provide a consumer tax credit for petroleum products. Both Senators Obama and Clinton voted for the windfall profits tax. The motion failed 35-64. [S. 2020, Vote #331, 11/17/2005]

Cornyn Voted Against Temporary Release of Oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In 2005, Cornyn voted to kill an amendment that would have urged the president to release one million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve everyday for thirty days and would have urged the president to encourage OPEC to increase their oil production. Both Senators Obama and Clinton supported releasing the additional oil and voted against killing the amendment. The motion to kill the amendment passed 57-39. [H.R. 6, Vote #147, 6/22/2005]

Cornyn Voted Against Energy Bill Aimed At Increasing Fuel Economy Standards by $13B in Subsidies for Major Oil and Gas Companies. In 2007, Cornyn voted against a motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment with an additional amendment to the bill that would require new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards of 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks, and require the production and use of 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022. It would direct the Energy Department to set new energy efficiency standards. The additional amendment would strike a provision that would require utilities to produce 15 percent of their electricity from alternative sources by 2020. It also would increase to $21.8 billion a package of tax incentives that would be offset in part by eliminating or reducing $13 billion in subsidies for major oil and gas companies. The motion was rejected 59-40. [CQ.com; HR 6, Vote #425, 12/13/07]

Texans are Paying Heavy Price for Do-Nothing Energy Policy

$3,261 more per household per year. Households in Texas are paying $3261 more per year for gasoline than when President Bush took office. Texas families now pay on average $5246 per year. [Department of Energy, Household Vehicles Energy Consumption 2001, Table 5.2, August 2005]

A $2.18-- or -- 164 percent per gallon increase in gas prices. Since President Bush took office, gas prices in Texas have increased by $2.18 per gallon, an increase of 164 percent. [EIA Petroleum Marketing Monthly, May, 2001; AAA Fuel Gauge Report, 5/6/08]

$2.1 billion more per month. Families, businesses, and farmers in Texas will spend $2.1 billion more on gasoline in May 2008 than they spent in January 2001. [Department of Energy, Motor Gasoline Consumption, Price, and Expenditures 2002]

If prices remain at current levels, $24.6 billion more will be spent on gasoline in Texas this year than was spent in 2001. Texas consumers, farmers, and businesses are on track to pay $39.5 billion for gasoline this year. [Department of Energy, Motor Gasoline Consumption, Price, and Expenditures 2002]