DeGette Calls on Colorado AG to Investigate Skyrocketing Gas Prices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2005

DeGette Calls on Colorado AG to Investigate Skyrocketing Gas Prices

WASHINGTON, DC - In a letter to Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) called for a state investigation into whether price gouging was a contributing factor in the rapid rise of gas prices in Colorado following the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

"Sky-high gas prices are breaking personal budgets and hurting small businesses throughout our state. Especially since Hurricane Katrina, many Coloradoans are wondering whether something other than traditional market forces may be behind this jump," said Rep. DeGette. "Last week, my Congressional committee held hearings into this issue. State governments, however, have much clearer authority to investigate and prosecute price gouging if that is occurring. That is why I am asking Attorney General Suthers to determine whether gas prices have increased in our state due to unscrupulous actions by dealers or station owners."

In Congress, Rep. DeGette's Energy and Commerce Committee held hearings into the impact of Hurricane Katrina on gas prices on September 7. The Senate held hearings on the same issue September 6. In addition, attorneys general from over forty states and the District of Columbia have launched a multi-state investigation into gasoline prices.

"Our economic recovery has been tenuous at best. Unfortunately, the higher gas prices, especially coupled with higher home heating prices we will see this winter could have a real and negative impact. We need to do everything we can to make sure that gas prices Coloradoans are paying at the pump are legitimate and not an attempt to take advantage of the disaster to increase profits at our expense," said Rep. DeGette.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/co01_degette/050915.html