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| Wilson Aims to Keep America Rolling |
September 12, 2005 |
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| At NM Delivery Business, Highlights Effort to Protect Americans from Gas Price Gouging
Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today toured an Albuquerque delivery company to discuss her efforts in Congress to protect Americans from gas price gouging.
Wilson, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has announced she will introduce federal legislation this week to protect consumers from gasoline price gouging. Hot Shot Services, Inc., at 4111 Ellison NE in Albuquerque, depends on fuel for their fleet of covered pickups, vans and larger 24-foot trucks.
“Times of tragedy should not be windfalls for opportunists,” Wilson said. “Federal law doesn`t prevent gasoline price gouging by individual bad actors. Only 23 states have anti-gouging laws on the books, and definitions vary widely. That`s why Congress needs to protect consumers in every part of the country by giving the FTC the authority to investigate price-gouging.”
The Wilson bill to crack down on gas price gouging 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 says 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.
“The current problem with the rapid increase of gas price has negatively impacted all aspects of the transportation industry,” said Peggy Reed, Vice President and General Manager of Hot Shot Services, Inc. “Employees are having trouble covering the cost of gas that has doubled in less than a year. Our independent contractors run their own businesses, and costs have risen so rapidly that they are having trouble supporting their families on what was a comfortable income a year ago. Without some intervention on gas prices we will see businesses close with a loss of jobs as a result.”
On September 7, 2005, 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.
“Growing New Mexico businesses like Hot Shot Services need fuel, and New Mexico needs the jobs they create," Wilson said. "I`m concerned about the affect of rising prices on family budgets and the small businesses that create most of our new jobs.”
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