MO HCR44

Oil prices increased from $25.29 per barrel in 2001 to over $132.00 per barrel in recent years, with January 2012 averaging over $106.00 per barrel.

Gasoline prices rose from $1.51 per gallon in January 2001 to over $4.21 per gallon in recent years, reaching over $3.45 per gallon in Missouri in February 2012.

Rising fuel costs negatively impact individuals, businesses, and government agencies through increased travel and tourism costs, higher product input costs, and reduced government budgets.

Urges Congress and the Obama Administration to implement long-term and short-term solutions including building new refineries, uncapping existing wells, drilling new wells, removing fuel importation impediments, and opening additional production areas to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Directs the Missouri House Chief Clerk to send copies of the resolution to the President, Senate and House leadership, and Missouri's congressional delegation.