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| Wilson Proposes Legislation to Protect Americans from Gasoline Price Gouging |
September 08, 2005 |
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| Congresswoman Says Stronger Federal Statute Needed
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced she will introduce federal legislation to protect consumers from gasoline price gouging.
“Times of tragedy should not be windfalls for opportunists,” Wilson said. “Federal law doesn’t prevent gasoline price gouging by individual bad actors. Congress needs to step in with a legislative solution that protects consumers in every part of the country.”
The Wilson bill will be introduced next week, and as currently drafted, would give the Federal Trade Commission the authority to investigate price gouging by individuals or companies. The bill would impose stiff civil penalties for price-gouging after an area has been declared a disaster area.
Currently, prosecution for price-gouging falls under state law unless it involves some form of collusion or other activity in violation of federal antitrust laws. Wilson is concerned that does not adequately address price gouging that does not rise to the level of current antitrust regulations. Following the Hurricane Katrina disaster, gasoline prices have fluctuated up to $6 in some communities.
“Only 23 states have anti-gouging laws on the books, and definitions vary widely,” Wilson said. “We should give the FTC the authority to investigate individual cases of price-gouging.”
On Wednesday, Wilson spoke in an energy price hearing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee to urge congressional action. She also sent a letter to Speaker Dennis Hastert on September 2, 2005, raising concerns about reports of price gouging and asserting the need for a national focus on the issue.
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