Five Things Congress and the President Are Doing to Bring Back Sky-High Gas Prices

(Analyst's note: This is troubling to contemplate.)

by Ben Lieberman

Gasoline prices are up since the start of the year, but the summer of 2009 has thus far been a bargain at the pump compared to a year ago when prices exceeded $4 a gallon. However, the respite from sky-high prices is likely temporary.

A return to $4 a gallon gas--or higher--will be made even more certain if Congress and the President succeed in enacting a host of proposals to crack down on domestic energy supplies. Instead, the federal government should support several pending pro-domestic energy measures that would help meet the nation's growing demand in the years ahead.

1. Pump price-boosting global warming legislation. ....

2. Regulation of hydraulic fracturing....

3. Increased red tape and costs on domestic drilling. ....

4. Raising energy taxes ....

5. Administrative delays on drilling.

What to Do Instead ....