Doc Hastings Talks About Issues Troubling Central Washington

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA) will discuss Republicans’ efforts to address rising gas prices and help create jobs in the Weekly Republican Address on Saturday, March 3.  The address is the latest part of a coordinated campaign to highlight Republicans’ ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy and hold Washington Democrats accountable for policies that have contributed to higher gas prices.

“Americans are right to be fed up with skyrocketing gas prices, which is why Republicans remain focused on an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy that addresses increasing costs and helps create jobs,” House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said. “It’s because of the leadership of Chairman Hastings and the Natural Resources Committee that the Republican-led House has already passed bipartisan measures to address rising gas prices, and I remain hopeful President Obama will work with us to enact these solutions.”

“Families, farmers and small businesses in my Central Washington district and across the country are struggling with rapidly rising gas prices,” Chairman Hastings said. “This pain at the pump threatens our economic recovery and makes every day activities like taking the kids to school and going grocery shopping more expensive.  On average, gas prices have more than doubled since President Obama took office.  While Republicans have embraced an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy, President Obama has consistently blocked American energy production - most recently by rejecting the Keystone XL pipeline and placing the majority of our offshore areas off-limits.  I’m honored to deliver the GOP address this week and explain how Republicans have a plan to create jobs, lower gas prices and increase our energy security by expanding access to our own American energy resources.”

Hastings has represented Central Washington’s Fourth Congressional District since 1995.  During that time he’s been an advocate for local farmers and ranchers that make up the heart of Washington Apple country, a strong defender of hydropower dams and a leader on nuclear power and nuclear cleanup.  Before coming to Congress, Hastings ran his family's small business, Columbia Basin Paper and Supply, and established himself as a leader in the local business community.  He also served eight years in the Washington State Legislature.  Hastings and his wife, Claire, live in Pasco, WA.  They have three children and eight grandchildren.