Berry Releases Report On Effects of High Gas Prices in Northeastern Arkansas

Berry Releases Report On Effects of High Gas Prices in Northeastern Arkansas

2-Car AR Family Pays $1,970 more for Gas in 2006 than 2001


- U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) released a new study today outlining the impact of high gasoline prices on Arkansas families over the last five years. The study, prepared by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform, shows a dramatic increase in gasoline prices since 2001, further emphasizing the need for America to become energy independent.

"After five years of energy policies that put oil company profits first, our families in Arkansas are carrying an overwhelming and unnecessary burden in rising gasoline costs," said Congressman Berry. "In Arkansas, we depend on our automobiles to get to and from work, to pick children up from school, or to visit relatives on the weekends. We must demand an effective energy policy that lowers the price of gas so we do not have to sacrifice important trips just to pay the bills. Fortunately, we know how to do this. We just need to elect leaders willing to invest in alternative fuels grown here in America instead of sending our money to oil companies located in the Middle East. Our government must also conduct a serious anti-trust investigation into the consolidation of the big oil companies."

The study finds that:

· Average gasoline prices in Northeastern Arkansas have increased for four straight years, from an average of $1.22 in 2001 to $2.84 thus far in 2006. This is a 133% price increase, which is almost ten times the rate of inflation.

· The rising cost of gasoline requires two-car families in Arkansas to pay an average of $1,970 more in 2006 than they did in 2001. This will cost Arkansas drivers about $2 billion more this year than in 2001, or $167 million on average per mon
·
In Jonesboro, high gas prices will cost all drivers an extra $27 million this year, and each family about $1,500 more than in 2001. In West Memphis, high gas prices will cost all drivers an extra $24 million this year, and each family about $1,840 than in 2001.

These alarming figures provide proof that the Administration's Comprehensive National Energy Policy failed to lower the price of gas and provide America with a secure energy supply. The Comprehensive National Energy Policy, which President Bush and Vice President Cheney unveiled in May of 2001, included 105 recommendations. As of March 2005, 95% of those recommendations had been implemented.

This study is based on data and analysis published by the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The report also uses data from the Federal Highway Administration on fuel usage and driving patterns at the state and local level.

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ar01_berry/gaspricereport.html