Governor Urges Congress to Investigate Rising Gas Prices

Press Release

Governor Baldacci has joined Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell and 20 Governors from across the country to urge a bipartisan Congressional investigation of escalating gas prices.

Maine's statewide average for gasoline prices was at $3.09/gallon on May 21, compared to $2.86/gallon a year ago. In areas around Presque Isle and Caribou, it was as high as $3.24/gallon. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects national averages to decrease slightly over the next few weeks but to remain around $3.00/gallon for most of the summer. It also warns that prices could rise again in August if demand for gasoline increases during that time, as it frequently does.

"High gasoline prices trickle through our entire economy," Governor Baldacci said. "A lot of hard working people in Maine don't have the luxury of deciding not to drive. They rely on their cars to get to work and for their businesses. They deserve an answer about why gas prices have increased so much while large oil companies are reporting record profits."

Governor Baldacci signed onto a letter written by Governor Rell that was sent to U.S. House and Senate leadership dated May 21, 2007, and stating that "families and businesses across the country are straining under these uncontrollable prices." The letter stressed that "This is not a simple ‘supply and demand' issue because gasoline is not a simple commodity. It is a basic necessity."

In addition to signing the letter to Congress, Governor Baldacci has directed the Maine Office of Energy Independence and Security to communicate his concerns to the Attorney General in order to avoid any potential price gauging or anti-competitive practices. The Governor's Office will also maintain regular communication with Maine's Congressional Delegation in order to monitor state and national gasoline inventories.

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