Tucson lawmaker also will discuss anti-price gouging legislation and controversial proposals for a summer gas tax moratorium
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will visit a family-owned gas station on Saturday to urge President Bush to alleviate high gas prices by suspending new oil purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
As gas prices skyrocket to new records and the summer driving season approaches, Giffords is calling on the president to provide much-needed assistance for consumers in Arizona and across the country.
According to energy industry analysts, suspending purchases for the reserve would increase the amount of oil on the market and could drive down gas prices for hard-hit consumers by as much as 25 cents a gallon. The reserve is 97 percent full yet continues to receive 70,000 barrels of oil each day.
The Tucson lawmaker will release a letter that she and nearly 100 congressional colleagues recently sent to the president. She also will discuss anti-price gouging legislation and her views on proposals for a summer gas tax moratorium.
Joining the congresswoman will be station owner Arnold Mendez, who will speak about how skyrocketing gas prices are hurting small businesses. Mendez's father, a refugee from communist-controlled Cuba, started the business 40 years ago.
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords calls on President Bush to alleviate high gas prices
WHEN: 2:15 p.m., Saturday, May 10
WHERE: A&M Shell, 5561 E. Speedway