Joe Biden is not known for policies that benefit America. But now, people are wondering what he is up to.
And Biden’s newest policy decision shows just how scared he really is.
In a move seen by many as a desperate attempt to control spiraling gas prices, the Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it would be selling nearly 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve.
This decision comes as Americans prepare for their summer road trips and the inevitable spike in demand that accompanies the season.
The nearly 42 million gallons of fuel are slated for delivery to buyers by June 30 and will be distributed to local retailers just before the 4th of July holiday, a critical period for travel across the nation.
The Department of Energy’s Office of Petroleum Reserves revealed that 998,824 barrels of gasoline would be released from the reserve, which was originally established following Hurricane Sandy to ensure emergency fuel supplies in the Northeast.
The bulk of this release, approximately 900,000 barrels, will come from a storage site in Port Reading, New Jersey, with the remaining barrels from South Portland, Maine.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is laser-focused on lowering prices at the pump for American families, especially as drivers hit the road for summer driving season,” said Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a statement.
“By strategically releasing this reserve between Memorial Day and July 4th, we are ensuring sufficient supply flows to the tri-state and Northeast at a time hardworking Americans need it the most.”
The national average gas price, as reported by the American Automobile Association (AAA), currently stands at $3.61 per gallon.
However, this average conceals significant regional disparities. In California, for example, drivers are paying over $5 per gallon, while in New Mexico, the price is around $3.30 per gallon.
Gas prices have risen dramatically since President Joe Biden took office. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that when Biden was inaugurated in January 2021, the national average was just $2.42 per gallon.
By 2022, this figure had surged to $3.41, and in 2023, it rose slightly to $3.44. The administration’s previous efforts to lower prices included depleting the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserves, a move that provided only temporary relief and left the country vulnerable to future supply shocks.
Critics argue that the Biden administration’s policies, particularly its stance on domestic oil production and energy independence, have contributed to the current crisis.
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was particularly vocal, saying, “Biden’s open border policies and war on American energy are hurting everyday Americans. Instead of real solutions, we get short-term fixes that won’t solve the underlying issues.”
Indeed, many Republicans and energy experts believe that a more sustainable solution would involve bolstering domestic oil production and reducing reliance on foreign oil.
“The decision to sell off part of our gasoline reserves is a band-aid on a bullet wound,” said energy analyst Dan Kish. “We need long-term policies that encourage energy independence and production right here at home.”
With the 2024 election approaching, Biden’s handling of the energy crisis is likely to become a major point of contention.
Voters in key swing states, already frustrated with rising living costs and economic instability, may see this latest move as too little, too late.
Moreover, the administration’s approach to energy policy has also sparked debates about national security.
Depleting reserves meant for emergencies leaves the country potentially vulnerable in the event of natural disasters or geopolitical conflicts that could disrupt supply lines.
Critics argue that rather than addressing the root causes of high energy prices, the administration is relying on temporary measures that offer no long-term stability.
“The American people deserve a comprehensive energy policy that ensures affordability, reliability, and sustainability,” said then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. “We need to harness all of America’s energy resources, including oil, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, to build a secure energy future.”
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column for updates on this story and more.
