Rep. DeGette Assails Rising Gas Prices

Press Release

Rep. DeGette Assails Rising Gas Prices
Big Oil Companies Rake in Profits

As gasoline prices climb to almost $3.00 a gallon in Colorado and Big Oil companies post even larger profits, Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) assailed the Bush Administration's failed energy policies and lack of action to give relief to American families.

"The Bush Administration's energy policy of giving more tax giveaways to big oil companies is doing little to lessen our dependence on foreign oil or reduce the impact of rising gas prices on the pocketbooks of American families," said Rep. DeGette.

In the first quarter of this year, the six Big Oil companies are seeing soaring profits after making a record $125 billion last year - with some companies posting the most profits ever of any company and consumers are footing the bill. In Colorado, the average price for gallon of regular gasoline has surged to $2.86 per gallon - nearly doubling in price since President Bush took office in 2001.

"To date, the Bush Administration has failed to provide long term energy solutions or relief for American families," said Rep. DeGette, "I am proud that Congress in its first 100 hours passed the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 to repeal $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for Big Oil companies and invest instead in clean renewable energy and alternative fuels and energy efficiency."

By July 4th, the US House will begin considering our plan to end the United States' addiction to foreign oil, address climate change and provide relief for working families. This is just the beginning of a comprehensive effort to ensure energy is more affordable and that America's families are not at the whim of big oil companies and overseas oil cartels.

"As Vice Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce I am helping to direct Congressional efforts to end our addiction to foreign oil by investing in renewable energy and efficiency. We will also work to ensure consumers are treated fairly in the market place and not taken advantage of at the gas pump," said Rep. DeGette.

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