House Republicans form energy coalition

A group of House Republicans formed a coalition Wednesday to advocate for a slew of GOP energy priorities including domestic oil-and-gas production.

The coalition, known as the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), will "promote Republican energy policies that will address rising energy prices, create thousands of good jobs and enhance our national security by promoting energy independence for America," according to a statement.

Members of the coalition include House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-Wash.), among others.

In a statement, Hastings touted his bills to expand oil drilling, the first of which is slated for a House vote this week.

“With the price of gasoline increasing daily, and the prospect of $5 gasoline looming ahead, it is time for Congress to put an end to the Obama Administration’s anti-energy, job-destroying policies that are inflicting further economic pain,” he said. “House Republicans are taking action this week to reverse these Obama Administration policies and pass legislation to expand American energy production, create new American jobs and lower energy prices."

Energy analysts say expanded domestic oil drilling would have little effect on the price of gas.