WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today made the following statement after the Obama Administration announced it would tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in response to the ongoing crude oil disruption in Libya.

“The President’s decision to use our strategic resources is short-sighted and dangerous,” said Wicker. “The Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be reserved for catastrophes, and using it for any other reason reduces America’s readiness to deal with such situations.  Instead, the President should utilize America’s resources, which can be done responsibly.  Increasing American energy production would lead to more supply and create good jobs here at home.”

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was created following the 1973-1974 Arab oil embargo.  According to the Congressional Research Service, the reserve currently contains 727 million barrels.  The President’s announcement marks the fourth time the reserve has been tapped since it began.

Wicker has promoted increased American oil and gas production, especially from the Gulf of Mexico.  He notes that greater supply would reduce the strain on the energy market created by the unrest in the Middle East.  Wicker recently penned this column on the topic.

# # #