By Nicole Houck, contributing writer

It’s no secret that gas prices are through the roof. Dependence on foreign oil has been accredited as the culprit. Many have been left wondering what the solution to these high prices will be.

This week, United States Senator Bob Casey offered two potential answers.

Congress’s Joint Economic Committee, which Casey chairs, on Friday released a report which found that eliminating the multi-billion tax breaks enjoyed by big oil companies would not result in even higher gas prices at American pumps.

“In reality, most of the so‐called incentives have no impact on near-term production decisions, and thus repealing them would have no effect on consumer energy prices in the immediate future,”  the report reads.  “Even in the longer term, the current proposed changes to these tax provisions would have little impact on global production and a negligible effect on consumer energy prices.”

Casey is also making a push to support the natural gas industry through the automobile industry.  Pennsylvania’s senior U.S. Senator believes that utilizing vehicles that use natural gas as a fuel source for automobiles, more jobs will be created in Pennsylvania.

Casey took the time to meet with Murry and Cindy Gerber, a couple who set out on a journey driving a natural gas-fueled Hummer from coast-to-coast.  The tour began in Santa Monica and traced a route from there to over a dozen cities across the country on its way to Washington, DC and New York City. The purpose of the journey is to promote energy independence and utilizing natural resources.

Casey said he agrees, and said that natural gas as fuel is worth a second look. Pennsylvania sits on a treasure trove of natural gas producing shale, he argued. If the industry were promoted, it would create many jobs in Pennsylvania.

“The Gerbers show that Pennsylvania ingenuity and advocacy can create new solutions to meet our challenges” Casey said in a statement.  

“Especially as oil and gasoline prices have risen, reducing the demand for foreign oil can be a win-win for the Pennsylvania economy and for consumers.  Natural gas is cleaner burning than gasoline and is a Pennsylvania resource. Converting vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, to run on natural gas could create new industry and new jobs in Pennsylvania.”

It’s good timing for Casey, who in recent months has emerged as a leading figure in the effort to force Marcellus gas drilling companies to disclose the chemicals used in the hydrofracturing process.

Gas prices have emerged as a major political issue, and the GOP is looking to capitalize. Republicans have made sure that the public is aware that Casey voted for tax increases that contribute to the hike in gas prices. According to the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, Casey supported legislation that would inhibit the natural gas industry, as well as increasing dependence on foreign oil.

“Incredibly, while Pennsylvanians are struggling with $4-a-gallon gas, Bob Casey and President Obama are trying to slam them with new energy taxes,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Chris Bond.  “Even Casey’s fellow Democrats admit President Obama’s gas tax hikes kill jobs and increase our dependence on foreign oil.”
   
The way it’s shaping up, it looks like gas is going to be a major focus in 2012.