Wilson Prevails on Price Gouging Language in Manager's Amendment to Energy Bill

Wilson Prevails on Price Gouging Language in Manager's Amendment to Energy Bill
10/6/2005

Congresswoman Welcomes Stronger Legislation

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today prevailed on her priority in the Gasoline for America's Security (GAS) Act of 2005 and welcomed a Manager's Amendment providing for federal enforcement of a gasoline price gouging policy that includes stiff penalties for violations.

"This amendment includes a strong national policy providing stiff penalties for gasoline price gouging," Wilson said. "Times of tragedy should not be windfalls for opportunists."

Wilson introduced a gasoline price gouging amendment - which was the same as a bill she introduced September 14 - in the House Energy and Commerce Committee last week, but a weaker amendment was substituted by a narrow 26-24 vote margin. The Manager's Amendment filed today improved on the Committee's provision by reverting to the Wilson-backed penalty of up to $11,000 per violation, and addressing other key concerns, particularly ensuring that it covers retail and wholesale sellers of crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and home heating oil.

http://wilson.house.gov/NewsAction.asp?FormMode=Releases