GOP Rep. Moore Opposes U.S.-Russia Energy Ties

2 min read

On Monday’s broadcast of Bloomberg’s “Balance of Power,” Republican Congressman Tim Moore of North Carolina voiced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s policy of easing restrictions on Russian diesel. Moore emphasized the need for the U.S. to avoid any form of close relationship with Russia, stating, “I think that we don’t need to be cozying up to Russia in any way, and so, I would rather not go down that road.”

Energy Policy and Domestic Concerns

Moore supported initiatives that allow the off-road use of diesel, which he claims will save significant amounts of money for consumers. He noted that the international commodity market is heavily impacting domestic prices, and that the U.S. gets very little to no oil from the Middle East. Moore also mentioned that North Carolina’s Republican legislature passed legislation temporarily repealing the state’s gas tax, which has already dropped gas prices by 40-some-odd cents. He pointed out that on his way to the broadcast, he saw gas prices at three dollars and 40-something cents a gallon, which he described as a significant improvement.

Call for Federal Gas Tax Rollback

Moore expressed frustration with the federal gas tax, stating that he wishes Washington had rolled back the tax for a period, which he believes would have helped a lot. However, he reiterated his stance against purchasing diesel from Russia, saying, “I don’t support the idea of buying diesel from Russia.” He praised the president’s other actions related to the issue but made it clear that he disagrees with the Russia diesel deal.

Market Dynamics and Price Regulation

Moore emphasized the importance of allowing the use of red dye diesel, which is essentially the same as regular diesel but with lower taxes. He argued that when diesel prices are high, it affects the entire supply chain, leading to higher costs for food and other goods. Therefore, he considered the policy critical for consumers. However, he also raised concerns about price gouging in the industry, suggesting that regulatory measures should be taken to address this issue.

Broader Implications

Moore’s comments reflect a broader debate within the U.S. political landscape regarding energy policy, international relations, and the impact of fuel prices on everyday consumers. His stance against Russian energy ties underscores the ongoing tension between economic interests and geopolitical considerations in U.S. foreign policy.