Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chairman Pete V. Domenici sharply criticized OPEC for cutting oil production by 4 percent during a time of record-high gasoline prices here in the United States. Chairman Domenici’s statement: “OPEC may keep oil prices soaring, but the organization’s credibility in the world arena continues to erode. Today’s decision by OPEC reveals unbridled greed and a callous disregard for the domestic economies of its customers. “While I am dismayed by OPEC’s announcement, I continue to be deeply worried about the big picture. If Congress does not take strong steps to enact comprehensive energy legislation, our grim reality in the world oil market will become our destiny with natural gas. “Today, we express outrage at OPEC’s cutbacks. But if we do not act to address the pending natural gas crisis, I fear that we will, in future years, feel greater alarm over the impact world natural gas prices has on our electric bills. “We must increase and diversify our energy production for the sake of our economy, our consumers and our national security. Let’s pass the energy bill.” ###