Washington, D.C.—Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) today welcomes the introduction of House Resolution 592 by Pennsylvania State Representative Jason Ortitay (R-46^th District). The resolution calls on Congress and President Trump to understand OPEC’s influence in the global oil market to protect the domestic energy industry and its consumers from the group’s actions.

“Despite being home to the significant resources of the Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania’s producers have suffered at the hands of OPEC’s influence on the global oil market. The state’s experiences serve as an example of that can happen to our energy industry if this influence is left unchecked,” said Robbie Diamond, SAFE’s President and CEO. “SAFE urges the Pennsylvania House to pass Resolution 592 and send a message to Washington that energy security is a key concern for all Americans. We thank State Rep. Ortitay for his leadership on this important issue.”

The resolution introduced today calls on Congress to pass H.R. 545, the United States Commission on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Act. The legislation calls for congressional action to understand the moves made by OPEC that influence the global price of oil by establishing a panel to assess OPEC actions and then propose a range of policy solutions to Congress. A similar resolution, SCR 14, was introduced last month and is pending consideration in the Ohio State Senate.

“As OPEC actions continue to drive oil price volatility, it is critical for the U.S. to support domestic supply while pushing for greater fuel choice and fuel efficiency here at home,” said Diamond. “The unfree oil market, dominated by OPEC and petrostates like Russia, leaves U.S. companies vulnerable to the decisions of governments that do not share our belief in a fair and transparent oil market.”

About Securing America’s Future Energy

Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization that aims to reduce America’s dependence on oil. Near-total dependence on petroleum in the transportation sector undermines the nation’s economic and national security, and constrains U.S. foreign policy. To combat these threats, SAFE advocates for expanded domestic production of U.S. oil and gas resources, continued improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency, and transportation sector innovations including electric vehicles, natural gas trucks, and autonomous vehicles. In 2006, SAFE joined with General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, to form the Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC), a group of business and former military leaders committed to reducing the United States’ dependence on oil. Today, the ESLC is co-chaired by Frederick W. Smith and General James T. Conway (Ret), 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

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