PLATTSBURGH — North Country Congressman Bill Owens says big oil companies need to keep crude oil home instead of shipping it overseas in order for gasoline prices to drop.

Owens (D-Plattsburgh) told reporters recently that he believes plenty of crude oil is being produced in North America, but it is being sent out of the country, which increases prices at the pumps for Americans.

"There are hundreds of more wells than there were in 2005. We have plenty of crude oil, but it is being shipped overseas," he said.

"We need to encourage our friends in big oil to keep the oil here, and then supply and demand will take over, and we can begin to see lower gas prices."

North country Congressman Bill Owens is asking Canada to again cut the taxes it collects from Canadians who shop in northern New York.

In a letter to Canadian officials last week, Owens asked Canada to match the deal U.S. shoppers get when they go to Canada for a day - the first $200 of purchases is tax free.

“It is important to the region’s economy that New York businesses have a level playing field when they’re competing for Canadian consumers,” said Owens in a statement.

“Canadian shoppers should enjoy the same exemptions at the border that Americans do.”