North Country Congressman Bill Owens and U.S. Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand have welcomed news from the White House today that it would release 30 million barrels of oil from the emergency Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Earlier this year, Owens joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives calling on the administration to release that amount of oil as one method to lower gas prices and sustain the economic recovery through the summer driving season.

And in a letter earlier this year to the president, Gillibrand urged an SPR drawdown. Gas Prices across New York are 36 percent higher than this time last year, Gillibrands office noted.

Senator Gillibrand said, “With our families already struggling in this difficult economy, the last thing we need is for gasoline prices to continue to skyrocket. This release will stabilize gas prices and provide crucial relief to families here in New York and across the country.”

Said Rep. Owens, “Today’s gas prices are unaffordable for farmers and small businesses trying to grow their operations, rural residents commuting long distances to work and Upstate New Yorkers traveling with their families this summer. I believe today’s actions are a step in the right direction towards lowering gas prices for Upstate New York.”