Rep. Boozman Votes to Address Gas Prices and Gouging

Rep. Boozman Votes to Address Gas Prices and Gouging

Washington, Oct 7 - U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today voted to address the ongoing problem of rising gasoline prices, while moving to prevent and punish gas stations that practice price gouging.

H.R. 3893, the Gasoline for America's Security (GAS) Act of 2005, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 212-210.

"High gasoline prices are hurting Arkansans," said Boozman. "Today, we took steps that will drive those costs down and also punish unscrupulous gas station owners who try to take advantage of a crisis to gouge consumers."

"Gas prices are close to $3 a gallon in parts of the Third District of Arkansas, with it hovering around $2.80 in Fort Smith and pushing $2.90 in Fayetteville. Arkansans should not have to pay such high prices for gas and this bill will help make sure that this is not a long-term trend," added Boozman.

The GAS Act seeks to lower gasoline prices within the market system and without resorting to price controls by increasing capacity, streamlining fuel supply, providing transparency in gasoline pricing, reducing bureaucracy and revitalizing refineries.

"The GAS Act presents a balanced and comprehensive approach to ensuring that gas prices do not slow our growing economy. By encouraging more refineries, limiting boutique fuels, promoting new pipelines and encouraging conservation, we can increase the supply of gasoline and drive down the cost at the pump," said Boozman.

Specific consumer protections in the bill include bans on price gouging in gasoline and diesel fuel sales and requiring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study credit card company processing fees, which may inflate consumer costs.

"This bill offers the first ever federal ban on gasoline price gouging. Taking advantage of a crisis to inflate your bottom line is un-American and needs to be punished," said Boozman.

Finally, this bill and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 will help America reduce our dependence on foreign sources of refined petroleum products and increase domestic production and conservation efforts.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=35412