Pennsylvania state Rep. Camille “Bud” George Feb. 11 won overwhelming approval in the state’s House of Representatives of his resolution urging the U.S. Congress and President Bush to release fuel from the Northeast Heating Oil Reserve.

“Diesel prices in the Mid-Atlantic are among the highest in the nation, and trucking companies and independent owner-operators are shutting down left and right,” George, Democratic chairman of the Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said in a statement. “Many of our most vulnerable citizens also are facing empty fuel tanks as their energy assistance funds are depleted.

“We need help now,” he said.

His resolution, HR55, was approved by a 174-26 vote. It is headed to the U.S. Congress for consideration.