I just received a personal response from Senator Murray to a letter I wrote to her regarding high gasoline prices. Instead of the usual Bush admin bashing I usually receive from her, I find none of that in her response this time. Maybe these dingbats are finally getting the message that citizens don't want to hear about our reps personal animus towards another American citizen? Maybe they've figured out that we want solutions instead of whining and complaining and stalling and excuses?
Will wonders never cease?
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Dear Mrs. XXXXXX
Thank you for writing to me concerning high prices for oil, gas and diesel. It was good to hear from you.
I know what these rapidly rising gas costs mean to the hard-working people of our state. For working families, businesses, students, and seniors on fixed incomes these hikes are a real burden. As you know, gas and oil prices remain high because of a combination of interacting factors, including world markets for crude oil, and the cost of producing and marketing gasoline. The world market for crude oil has been disrupted by sharply increased oil consumption in China and instability in the Middle East. There are no easy solutions to the complex problems behind high energy prices.
Like many Americans, I am concerned about record-high energy prices and I support bringing more American sources of fuels to market. However, I believe it needs to be in the context of a sensible, comprehensive American energy policy that steers us away from traditional fossil fuels and toward energy independence.
You should also know that I am an original cosponsor of S. 1263, the Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act, introduced by Senator Cantwell (D-WA) on May 2, 2007. S. 1263 enables the Federal Trade Commission and state attorney generals to fight price gouging during gas price emergencies. This bill includes both civil and criminal penalties for unconscionable price gouging.
Please know that as the Senate considers energy legislation during the 110th Congress I will consider your views and work with my Senate colleagues to develop sensible policies to address the high price of energy in our state and nation. If you suspect price gouging at your local gasoline retailer, the federal government has asked that you report these stations at gaswatch.energy.gov. If you would like to receive updates on my work in the Senate, please feel free to visit my website at murray.senate.gov. Thank you again for writing, and please keep in touch.
I hope all is well in Woondinville. |
