Excessive gas prices could lead to prosecution

[one...two...tree 2,762]

http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles...ces0523-ON.html

Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON - Congress wants you to know it feels your pain at the pump.

As lawmakers prepared to face voters during their weeklong Memorial Day recess, the House approved a bill Wednesday that would make gasoline price gouging a federal offense.

And in the Senate, Democratic leaders announced plans to bring to the floor their first energy bill since taking control of Congress.

Lawmakers from both parties are hearing from constituents about soaring gasoline prices, which Wednesday hit a record national average of $3.22 for a gallon of self-serve regular. So they are working furiously to respond - even if there is little they can do to provide immediate relief.

“I was at a funeral Saturday, and when the monsignor greeted me, he said, My God, Bart, you have to do something about these gas prices!' ” said Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., chief sponsor of the anti-gouging bill.

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, told her colleagues: “I can't go home, and I imagine none of you can, without saying we tried to do something.”

As evidence of the political anxiety, the anti-gouging measure was approved 284-141, with 56 Republicans voting for it, despite a threat from the White House that it could face a presidential veto. The White House contends that the bill's definition of gouging is vague, which would make the law difficult to enforce and create confusion for sellers. The administration also questioned the need for the legislation, noting that many states have price-gouging laws.

“This bill could result in gasoline price controls and in some cases bring back long gas lines reminiscent of the 1970s,” the administration said in a statement.

House approval of the anti-gouging measure came one day after the chamber defied another veto threat to approve a bill that would subject the 12 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to price-fixing lawsuits.

On Wednesday, some House Democrats traveled to an Exxon station on Capitol Hill that has become a standard backdrop whenever lawmakers want to call attention to their efforts to respond to high gas prices. And in a memo to fellow Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada urged colleagues to talk about the upcoming energy legislation during the recess. “Conduct a press conference at a gas station to highlight how our energy legislation will protect the American consumer,” he suggested.

The anti-gouging measure would give federal regulators authority to investigate and prosecute anyone selling gas or any other petroleum distillate at a price that is “unconscionably excessive” and “taking unfair advantage” during presidentially declared emergencies.

[mawilson 2,133]

“My God, Bart, you have to do something about these gas prices! ”

[Dr_LHA 3]

How about making a real positive step and stop the USA giving huge subsisdies and tax breaks to oil companies who make record massive profits. We're not just paying $3.22 a gallon, we're also paying in our tax dollars.

Edited May 24, 2007 by Dr_LHA

[SteveLaura 0]

OK, am I the only person that read the title as "Excessive gas prices could lead to prostitution"..?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

How about making a real positive step and stop the USA giving huge subsisdies and tax breaks to oil companies who make record massive profits. We're not just paying $3.22 a gallon, we're also paying in our tax dollars.

Good point. This gesture by congress seems a bit shortsighted.

[Dr_LHA 3]

Good point. This gesture by congress seems a bit shortsighted.

IMHO it's a populist move by a Democratic Congress that is short on approval ratings due to not living up to any of its election promises.

I guess its because I'm a European and drive a fuel efficient car, but I just can't get that hot under the collar about paying $3 for a gallon of gas.

[JoeMama 0]

OK, am I the only person that read the title as "Excessive gas prices could lead to prostitution"..?

It could very well head that way in the future. "Hey baby! What can I get for a couple of gallons?"

Edited May 24, 2007 by altimixdj

[pedroh 21]

Good point. This gesture by congress seems a bit shortsighted.

IMHO it's a populist move by a Democratic Congress that is short on approval ratings due to not living up to any of its election promises.

I guess its because I'm a European and drive a fuel efficient car, but I just can't get that hot under the collar about paying $3 for a gallon of gas.

yea my wife has a hybrid and doesn't suffer a lot.. compared to the 'oh im so cool and I buy a fukcin Yukon or a Denali' and spend 100 dollars a week.. LOL and PWNED!

when will americans start appreciating fuel efficient cars, rather than those behemots.. that only use the gas that future generations can use

Edited May 24, 2007 by pedroh

[JoeMama 0]

yea my wife has a hybrid and doesn't suffer a lot.. compared to the 'oh im so cool and I buy a fukcin Yukon or a Denali' and spend 100 dollars a week.. LOL and PWNED!

when will americans start appreciating fuel efficient cars, rather than those behemots.. that only use the gas that future generations can use

A lot of us appreciate buying a fine, reliable automobile of our choice. I love both of my Toyota Sequoias. I don't know if that falls into your category of "fukcin behemoth Yukons and Denali's" since it is a SUV. But I certainly can afford the gas for them. That's why I don't b!tch about gas prices.

[Fandango 1,440]

OK, am I the only person that read the title as "Excessive gas prices could lead to prostitution"..?

give it time, lol

[mawilson 2,133]

yea my wife has a hybrid and doesn't suffer a lot.. compared to the 'oh im so cool and I buy a fukcin Yukon or a Denali' and spend 100 dollars a week.. LOL and PWNED!

GMC Yukon - YES! What a vehicle!

You can load 10 Dr LHAs European cars into a Yukon and go a-cruisin'.

[Dr_LHA 3]

I love both of my Toyota Sequoias. I don't know if that falls into your category of "fukcin behemoth Yukons and Denali's" since it is a SUV.

It does according to the EPA MPG estimates.

[pedroh 21]

yea my wife has a hybrid and doesn't suffer a lot.. compared to the 'oh im so cool and I buy a fukcin Yukon or a Denali' and spend 100 dollars a week.. LOL and PWNED!

when will americans start appreciating fuel efficient cars, rather than those behemots.. that only use the gas that future generations can use

A lot of us appreciate buying a fine, reliable automobile of our choice. I love both of my Toyota Sequoias. I don't know if that falls into your category of "fukcin behemoth Yukons and Denali's" since it is a SUV. But I certainly can afford the gas for them. That's why I don't b!tch about gas prices.

toyotas ain't bad.. and na.. a Yukon or Denali ain't no SUV's.. they are "Hey I'm wasting gas in a cool way" category

[Dr_LHA 3]

You can load 10 Dr LHAs European cars into a Yukon and go a-cruisin'.

I don't have a European car.

[Fandango 1,440]

where can you get mpg standard estimates? I wanna know if I'm getting good mileage