As Gas Prices Rise, DeLauro Works to Prevent Excessive Profiting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday September 1, 2005

As Gas Prices Rise, DeLauro Works to Prevent Excessive Profiting

- Oil Companies Should Not Profit at Expense of Consumers -

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - As the price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline exceeds the $3 mark in the Third Congressional District, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today said she will seek legislative action, along with Congressman Larson, to prevent excessive profiting by oil companies when Congress reconvenes next week. Earlier this year, DeLauro signed on to a House Resolution urging the president to take immediate steps to lower gas prices for all Americans.

"The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina to our nation's oil refineries has further strained our nation's oil dependency and pushed families already struggling with the price of gas to reach further into their pockets. I was pleased to see the president release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but remain concerned that not enough is being done to lower gas prices.

"A House resolution I signed sets out some measures that could make an immediate difference at the pump. But we still must consider long-term strategies to reduce fuel prices, conserve energy, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

"As families are squeezed by rising gas prices, huge oil companies should not enjoy windfall profits - particularly as so many Americans find themselves without electricity, plumbing or shelter in the wake of the Katrina disaster. This should be a moment for unity in our country, which is why when Congress reconvenes next week, I intend to work with my colleagues to prevent any excessive profiting at the expense of American consumers."

For a list of modest steps consumers can take to save at the pump, click here: http://www.house.gov/delauro/gas_prices_2005.html.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/September/gas_prices_profiting_09_01_05.html