[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1175-E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FEDERAL PRICE GOUGING PREVENTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2007

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to fuel 
shortages, waiting in long lines to purchase gas, price controls and 
H.R. 1252. I rise in support of lowering fuel prices for consumers, 
creating more jobs for Americans, opening new sources of energy and 
encouraging investment in innovative energy technologies.
  Today the House will be voting on H.R. 1252, a bill that would impose 
price controls on free-market energy products and would create hardship 
on Americans during a national emergency. Guised as a price gouging 
bill to protect American consumers, H.R. 1252 would actually create 
hardship for Americans.
  I do not support price gouging. Taking unfair advantage of consumers, 
especially during an emergency situation, is wrong. Those who engage in 
this type of behavior should be prosecuted to the full extent of the 
law. Kansans are already protected by state law that prohibits price 
gouging during a time of disaster.
  In a free market economy, when supplies become limited or scarce, 
prices rise to curb demand and help ensure product remains available. 
When artificial fuel prices are set by the government, demand remains 
high and supply will not be able to keep pace. Consumers will be faced 
with gas rationing and standing in long lines. Consumers who need fuel 
could be faced with gas stations running out of gasoline.
  There is no question my constituents in Kansas are angered by high 
fuel prices. We all feel the pain in our wallets. High energy costs 
effect everyone from families to small businesses to large 
corporations. However, voting to authorize the Federal Trade Commission 
to enforce price controls on a free-market energy produce like gasoline 
will not provide relief at the pump. If anything, it could restrict 
consumers from purchasing fuel during times when it is needed the most.
  Returning to a 1970s era where consumers are forced to wait hours in 
line just to purchase fuel is not a solution. H.R. 1252 does not help 
lower the cost of fuel for Americans today or long-term. It is not an 
effective solution to high gas prices.
  Congress should instead offer real solutions like encouraging more 
investment in innovative energy technologies, supporting clean and safe 
access to petroleum resources off our Nation's shores and on public 
lands, spurring investment in renewable sources of energy, and 
expanding domestic refining capacity. These are solutions that would 
help lower energy costs and create American jobs.
  This week I introduced The Refinery Streamlined Permitting Act of 
2007, a bill to help increase America's refining capacity and lower gas 
prices. My bill streamlines the federal permitting process for new or 
expanding domestic refineries. It creates a framework for all parties 
involved to understand what actions

[[Page E1176]]

need to be carried out for an expeditious permit approval to be 
granted. And it requires that such actions be completed within one 
year.
  My bill will require agencies to give high priority to refinery 
applications that would result in greater capacity, a cleaner-burning 
fuel, or a reduction in a refinery's pollution output. And it will 
require Federal agencies to more carefully examine the impact a 
proposed rule would have on energy supplies and provide that 
information to the public.
  Instead of bringing an artificial price-control bill to the House 
floor that could lead to gas rationing and long lines, Democrat leaders 
should instead offer real solutions.
  I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 1252 and in support of 
policies that will lower the cost of gasoline for the American people.

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