| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today blamed oil companies
for the out–of–control gas prices in Chicago and the Midwest. Schakowsky
said that it was clear to her that oil companies are responsible for the
dramatic price increases in Chicago, and are using ethanol and environmental
regulations as decoys for their pricing schemes.
“This
is about oil companies who would rather do away with all environmental
requirements than use ethanol. As a result, consumers are being gouged
at the pump. Contrary to what others are claiming, an environmental
waiver would not reduce prices enough to give consumers real relief,” Schakowsky
said.
Oil
companies are required to sell fuel reformulated with ethanol in the Chicago
and Milwaukee markets. Schakowsky pointed to national figures that
show Chicago and Milwaukee paying an additional 40 cents or more per gallon
than other cities with no such requirements.
“The
only plausible explanation of this price discrepancy is that the oil companies
are taking advantage of the situation and blaming ethanol,” Schakowsky
added.
Following
the meeting, Schakowsky also said, “While Administrator Browner was careful
not to use the word gouging, she pointed out the fact that this is the
first time in her service with the EPA that she has asked the Federal Trade
Commission to open an investigation. When the Administrator was asked
whether oil companies were price gouging, she said ‘we have our suspicions,’” |
