DeLauro Joined by Connecticut State Officials to Tout Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today held a press conference with Connecticut state officials to highlight House-passage of the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act. This bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to stop price gouging on consumers fuels.

"At a time when energy prices are at crisis-level, Big Oil should not be raking in record profits," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "People need a break. People need a government that looks out for the middle-class, working families, small businesses, and the vulnerable -- not one that answers to the wealthiest and biggest corporations. It is time we hold Big Oil accountable for price gouging, war profiteering, and artificially keeping prices high for their own benefit, all while posting record profits. The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act would be the first-ever federal law against price gouging, and I was proud to help pass it in the House. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will quickly send it to President Biden's desk for signature so we can help everyday Americans with skyrocketing gas prices."

"Gas is a major expense for Connecticut families and businesses," said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. "Price fluctuations and changes are normal, but what we have seen over the past few months is beyond atypical. Big Oil has seen soaring profits while families and businesses are being crushed. Our office has received over 100 gasoline price gouging complaints and we are actively investigating every single one. But price gouging is not isolated to the retail level. This legislation would bring powerful enforcement authority to help state attorneys general and the federal government work together to hold bad actors accountable at every level, from retail up through the supply and distribution chains. I thank Congresswoman DeLauro for fighting for Connecticut families and businesses who cannot afford to subsidize Big Oil profits any longer."

"As hard-working people across our state and nation get slammed with unreasonably high gas prices, oil companies have been cashing in. It is not fair, it is wrong, and it cannot continue," said State Senator Jorge Cabrera. "I was proud to vote on a suspension of our state's gas tax through to Dec. 1 this legislative session, but I know more relief is needed and putting a stop to the price gouging we're seeing from oil companies is one of the more impactful ways we can provide relief at the pump. The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act would supply our state with the power needed to further protect residents from unfair gas prices. I am elated it passed the U.S. House of Representatives and hopeful the U.S. Senate will do the right thing, hold these oil companies accountable and put an end to these outrageous gas prices."

The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act would be the first ever federal law against price gouging. It would grant the president the power to declare an energy emergency, making it illegal to sell fuels for cars, planes, home heating oil, and propane at an excessive and exploitative price. The bill gives the FTC and state Attorneys General the power to issue penalties to fuel wholesalers and retailers for price gouging during an energy emergency.

It would direct all penalties collected to the Consumer Relief Trust Fund, which would be used for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program to help further lower costs for consumers. And lastly, it would protect independently owned gas stations from taking the blame for price gouging at the wholesale level or increased costs through the supply chain since they have no control over these costs.

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