AMP Statement Says Administration’s Failure to Comply with Federal Law During 2011 SPR Draw Down Can be Avoided in Future

(Washington)

The American Maritime Partnership today released the following statement regarding the Administration’s failure to comply with federal law during the summer 2011 draw down of the Strategic Petroleum Oil Reserve.

“Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and using American mariners to transport the oil should go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, the Administration failed to comply with the federal law that gives priority to American mariners when it released oil from the SPR last summer, allowing foreign vessels to move American oil between American ports even though American vessels were readily available.

American mariners are ready, willing, and able to do what they do best – move cargo safely, securely, and economically for the benefit of our customers and our country. Today’s hearing is an important first step in ensuring that the Administration will follow the law and not repeat what happened last year should there be another SPR draw down in the future.”