Mary Beth Polley | Fall 2000 Headlines

Northeastern Congressmen meet with Sec. Of Energy to discuss fuel crisis

By Mary Beth Polley

Northeastern Congressmen met with Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson yesterday to discuss immediate actions the federal government can take to protect the Northeast from a "home heating oil crisis" this winter.

Sec. Richardson met with Reps. John F. Tierney, (D-Sixth), Martin P. Meehan (D-Lowell) and New Hampshire Rep. Charles Bass (R-Peterborough) along with other members of the Northeast Congressional delegation Tuesday morning. Later that afternoon, Richardson met with a -- of New England senators including Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and John F. Kerry (D-MA). Both groups urged Richardson to begin releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, increase funding for low-income fuel aid programs, develop mechanisms within the DOE to immediately respond to oil price hikes and ensure fair distribution of oil throughout the United States.

"Secretary Richardson was very very positive in his response," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). "He indicated to me that there is strong support that action should be taken. He also indicated to me that there are recommendations now on the President's desk."

"After listening to our concerns, the Secretary seems to appreciate the heating oil problems that many consumers in Massachusetts may face this winter without some relief," said Rep. Meehan. "I hope we moved the ball forward on a multifaceted approach to those problems -- including placing new pressure on oil-producing countries, ensuring that LIHEAP is fully funded, and authorizing a limited draw down of existing reserves."

However Lisa Cutler, a spokeswoman for Sec.Richardson, said no decisions have been made.

"He reiterated that the president has not made a final decision and everything is still on the table," Cutler said.

Both groups expect to meet with President Clinton next week to discuss their recommendations.

"This isn't kid stuff, and the issue is complicated, but while there's no single silver bullet solution to high oil prices, there are common sense steps we can take to prepare each year, respond to supply shocks and protect consumers from market volatility," said Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA). "Heating oil is a basic necessity, and we're committed to doing all that we can to ensure a steady, affordable supply for Massachusetts families. Families in Massachusetts, should never have to choose between putting food on the table, buying prescription drugs, or heating their homes -- and it will take a comprehensive approach at all levels of government to get us through another long New England winter."

On Monday crude oil prices reached a ten-year high of $37 a barrel and oil reserves are currently 20 percent less that they were a year ago, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

"Oil prices remain at a ten-year high, and to date, diplomatic efforts to address the underlying cause of oil price increases have been a failure. The Administration must continue to vigorously pursue these discussions," said Rep. John E. Sununu (R-1).

are hoping to meet with President Clinton in the next week and expect a federal response within the next ten days.

"I'm confident Secretary Richardson came out of our meeting with a real understanding of the urgency of our concern over both the supply and prices of home heating oil in New England, and I know the Secrtary will take our message to the Administration. We're going to make the same team effort next week when we expect to meet face to face with President Clinton about heating oil.