API accuses Obama of lying about energy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The White House is lying to the American public when it says its policies are responsible for increased oil production, the American Petroleum Institute said.

Higher gasoline prices in the United States are putting renewed impetus behind debates over domestic oil and natural gas production in the United States.

Critics of U.S. President Barack Obama's domestic energy policy accuse him of blocking oil and natural gas production in the United States. Obama, in a speech from Miami, said there's no way to "drill our way to lower gas prices," however.

But API President Jack Gerard said Obama is taking credit for policies enacted under the previous administration.

"The administration suggests that its policies are, in fact, already increasing oil production," he said. "This couldn't be farther from the truth."

Gerard claims Obama's policies are pushing energy investments out of the U.S. market, a trend which is to blame for everything from high unemployment to an increased trade deficit.

Obama said the United States relied less on foreign oil in 2011 than at any time during the least 16 years, however.

Energy analysts blame turmoil in the Middle East, specifically disputes with Iran, for higher energy prices.