Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski addressed the USAEE/IAEE North American Conference via webcast on Monday with a short speech on the importance of federal policy in determining energy outcomes. And she addressed a question raised at a recent hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee – of which she is ranking member – why aren’t US energy consumers reaping the benefits of rising oil production through lower prices at the pump?

“While it may be difficult to measure the precise benefit, I do believe that rising US production has reduced, or at the very least, restrained prices at the pump for American drivers,” Murkowski said.