ATA urges government to increase domestic oil supplies

The American Trucking Assns. is urging the Bush Administration and Congress to take steps towards increasing domestic oil supplies and easing the burden on the nation's 3.5 million truck drivers as well as American consumers.

Speaking for the ATA at a National Press Club news conference, hosted by Consumers For More Energy, ATA senior vp Tim Lynch encouraged the implementation of policies to reduce oil demand, accelerate research and development, increase government oversight of petroleum markets, and increase domestic oil supplies.

“ATA recognizes that the solution to this problem is multifaceted,” Lynch said. “We need a broad relief agenda that includes increasing domestic oil production to address the escalating cost of fuel and relieve the financial hardships of the trucking industry and all drivers.”

ATA is urging the federal government to help trucking by enacting policy that includes allowing environmentally responsible exploration of oil-rich areas in the U.S., establishing a national diesel fuel standard, combating fuel price gouging, and further funding EPA's SmartWay program.