|
WASHINGTON—The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing June 28 in Washington, D.C. on the skyrocketing price of gasoline and what the nation can do about it, Rep. Tony P. Hall (D–Ohio) announced.
Related Past Releases on Rising Gas Prices Hall Calls for Congressional Hearings on Skyrocketing Gas Prices [June 9, 2000] |
The hearings will attempt to determine why prices spiked so suddenly at the beginning of the month, especially in the Midwest. The hearing could investigate possible illegal price gouging and anti-trust practices of the oil companies.
Hall hopes the hearings could also examine the widespread difference in gasoline prices around the country and why prices are so high in the Midwest.
“Everyone who has been to the gas pump in the last few days is owed an explanation for the high cost,” Hall said.
“Congressional hearings will give the American people an opportunity to hear directly from the people responsible for these price increases,” he added.
The date and witness list have not yet been determined, but testimony could come from oil company executives, government officials, and consumer representatives.
Last week, in response to the sharp increase in gasoline prices in the Miami Valley, Hall urged Judiciary Committee Chairman Henry Hyde to hold hearings about the problem.
Hyde told Hall that the Judiciary Committee would hold hearings and Hyde agreed to work with Hall in developing a plan for Congressional action.
“The hearings should look at all factors that affect gasoline prices, including poor planning by the oil companies, excessive profiteering, and federal environmental regulations,” Hall said.
“The hearings also need to find practical solutions that will get gasoline back down to an affordable level and keep it that way,” he added.
The price of gasoline in the Dayton area has increased from an average of $1.40 a gallon last month to between $1.80 and $1.90 and more than $2.00 in some places.