May 24, 2006

Tierney E-Alert: Working to Lower Gas Prices

Dear E-Alert Subscriber:

Earlier this month, I launched the Tierney E-Alert Gas Prices Survey, giving individuals and business owners the chance to tell me how gas prices are affecting their families and businesses. 

According to the results of the survey, high gas prices are forcing people to not only cut back on transportation, but also cut back on food, health care and utilities. One person told me that high gas prices mean "I literally cannot save any money anymore: not for retirement, not for an emergency reserve, not for my child's college education (and the baby is due in 10 days)."

Businesses are also being adversely affected.  A local business owner shared that "I spent $400 on gasoline last week. I am based in Gloucester, but do much of the work of my insulation business in the suburbs west of Boston. The prices are threatening the viability of my small business." 

To see the full results of the survey, please visit my website: www.house.gov/tierney. 

I share the frustration many people feel and remain angered by the lack of federal action to address the issue.  I have been fighting for years for a comprehensive energy policy to help us avoid this situation.  Unfortunately, the Bush Administration and Republican-led Congress continue to reward the extremely profitable oil and gas industries with tax subsidies as opposed to cutting costs for American consumers.  My energy plan, in contrast, focuses on lowering gas prices, increasing fuel efficiency and investing in alternative energy research and development.  For more details on my energy plan, please click here.

I realize that urgent relief is needed and I continue to advocate for quick action on the issue.  For example, I have:

• Called on President Bush to convene a bi-partisan Emergency Energy Summit to implement solutions to lower the price of gas, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and move toward energy conservation;
• Supported a number of legislative initiatives that will help to alleviate the strain as a result of rising gas prices, including legislation to prohibit price gouging on gasoline; and
• Advocated for a long-term strategy that focuses on renewable energy by encouraging the federal government to invest in energy research and development and encouraging better energy conservation efforts on the part of federal, state, and local officials.

Be assured my efforts will continue. To share your input on my plan or your thoughts on the matter, click here.

Feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested.

Sincerely,

John F. Tierney
Member of Congress