WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular grade gasoline has increased to $3.79/gallon, rising approximately $.44 in one month. The average price of gas in Ohio is $3.84/gallon. Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) released the following statement in response to the latest rise in gas prices:

“Hardworking taxpayers, small business owners and farmers here in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District feel the negative impacts of escalating gas prices on their budgets,” said Rep. Latta. “A report by the Energy Information Administration shows that gasoline expenditures in 2012 for the average U.S. household reached nearly $3,000. We need a true all of the above approach that includes allowing America to utilize our domestic energy resources to provide relief at the pump while creating new jobs and improving U.S. energy security.

According to the International Energy Agency, the U.S. is expected to surpass Saudi Arabia and become the top oil producer by 2020. Yet, while hardworking taxpayers in Ohio and across the nation endure these rising energy costs, the White House continues to drag its heels on policies that will increase domestic energy production, including its delay to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.”