Lieberman Urges Bush to Protect Consumers from Price Gouging at the Pump

Lieberman Urges Bush to Protect Consumers from Price Gouging at the Pump

Senator joins Democratic colleagues' efforts to break America's ‘addiction to oil,' reduce gas prices

Senator Joe Lieberman today called on the Bush Administration to support legislation protecting consumers from gas price gouging and breaking America's "addiction to oil." Lieberman joined 14 Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush outlining the dire need to help reduce crippling gas prices, which are skyrocketing to nearly $3 a gallon in Connecticut.

"Skyrocketing gas prices are placing one more economic burden on American families, especially as summer driving season approaches," Lieberman said. "President Bush and Republicans in Congress must act now on legislation that will not only provide a temporary solution to help lessen the impact of these increased gas prices, but also provide a long-term solution for America to break its dependence on foreign oil by making greater use of alternative and renewable energy sources."

Last year, Lieberman led a bi-partisan group of 10 Senators in introducing the Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act, which would mandate 10 million barrels per day in oil-savings in 25 years and would also require the mass-production of cars that can burn any combination of gasoline and alternative fuels or, alternatively, cars powered by efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. He has also introduced the Temporary Windfall Profits Tax on Crude Oil Act, which would tax oil company profits exceeding a base price of $40 per barrel. The revenue from the windfall tax would be recycled to low- and middle-income families facing the increased burden of home heating and cooling costs and rising gasoline prices. The one-time payment to each taxpayer would be $450.

http://lieberman.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=253954&&