JEANNE MESERVE, CNN ANCHOR: Your price at the pump and the fight to bring down the cost of oil. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson faced sharp questioning from lawmakers this morning, as approaching cold weather tapped U.S. oil reserves and election politics intensifies the debate. CNN national correspondent Bob Franken is here now with more -- Bob.</s>BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And Jeanne, you said the word: politics. The Republicans charging that, in fact, the decision to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve was a political move to try and enhance the prospects for Al Gore. But also, there was a discussion about oil refineries and whether they have the ability to take this added oil and turn it into the heating oil. The Republicans pointed out that these refineries because of the economy that is humming along are already at 96, 97 percent, no room for maintenance. They are worried about a breakdown. The energy secretary, who has expressed optimism about that, if you listen closely, you will see that he does have concern.</s>BILL RICHARDSON, ENERGY SECRETARY: We've worked to get supply out and this temporary infusion of 30 million barrels of oil into the market will likely add an additional 3-5 million barrels of heating oil this winter. If refineries are able to match higher runs than yields seen in the past.</s>FRANKEN: Will they be able to solve the refinery problems? Richardson pointed out again, he plans a meeting this week with the refiners to see if the government can be any help -- Jeanne.</s>MESERVE: Bob Franken, thank you.
Energy Secretary Bill Richardson Faces Sharp Questioning Before Senate Panel on U.S. Oil Reserves