Bush Administration Admits to Gas Crisis: Brown Proposes Steps to Relieve Pain at the Pump

CLEVELAND--Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-Lorain County) today discussed Ohio's gas crisis and offered ways to reduce costs to consumers. Speaking by a gas station in downtown Cleveland, Brown addressed the effect of soaring fuel prices on the lives of working Ohioans.

Earlier today on NBC's Meet the Press, U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman admitted that the United States is experiencing a gas "crisis."

"For many Ohio families, simply paying for the drive to work will require painful sacrifices," Brown said. "Our energy policy has failed. The need for change grows more urgent every day."

Last week, gas prices shot past $3 per gallon in many parts of the country. Some analysts now predict that prices at the pump will top $4 next month, and could even hit $5 over the summer.

Brown highlighted a range of options for reducing the burden of fuel costs for consumers.

"It is time to stand up to the oil companies - and give Ohio drivers a break," Brown said. "We should crack down on oil-company price gouging, cancel unneeded tax breaks for companies like Exxon, and give consumers a holiday from gas taxes."

A gas tax holiday would reduce prices at the pump by 18 cents.

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04/30/2006 / Permalink / Economy, gas, (all tags)

Brown Urges Immediate Federal Action On Skyrocketing Gas Prices

AMHERST--Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-Lorain County) today called for immediate action by the federal government to curtail rapidly rising gas costs.

"For most Ohioans, wages are stagnant, while gas prices continue to skyrocket," Brown said. "At the same time, oil companies are reporting record profits. It's time to stand up for Ohio families and bring these prices down."

Gas prices have increased sharply in recent weeks, topping $2.75 per gallon in many Ohio communities. Analysts have predicted that prices could hit $3 per gallon this summer.

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04/20/2006 / Permalink / Economy, Environment, gas, (all tags)