Michael J. Webert column: Virginians need policies that help cut energy costs | Columnists [Video]

By Michael J. Webert

Inflation sat at a record high of 9.1% in June, and Americans still are struggling to keep up with rising energy costs. Virginians, in particular, are feeling the pain at the pump.

Simply put, gas prices are out of control and no one can afford such high costs. We need policies that will support domestic production to help lower energy prices, instead of unnecessary taxes like the proposed windfall profits tax, which recently was cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine.

Putting gas in your car, or lighting and cooling your home, should not be a major purchase — and it does not have to be. A windfall profits tax would worsen this situation.

Following the 2020 elections, gas prices across the nation rose drastically. This summer, we saw prices that were 26% higher than last summer.

Though this might not seem like a lot to some people, an increase of $1.50 per gallon means Virginia families are spending …