Democrats and high gas prices

[August]

From Speaker Pelosis own website:

http://www.house.gov/pelosi/press/re...bberstamp.html

Pelosi: ‘With Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Americans Can No Longer Afford Rubber Stamp Congress’ Monday, April 24, 2006
Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on President Bush’s, Speaker Hastert’s, and the Republican Congress’ empty rhetoric on gas prices. Key facts on the Majority's failure to address gas prices follows Pelosi’s statement.
With skyrocketing gas prices, it is clear that the American people can no longer afford the Republican Rubber Stamp Congress and its failure to stand up to Republican big oil and gas company cronies. Americans this week are paying $2.91 a gallon on average for regular gasoline – 33 cents higher than last month, and double the price than when President Bush first came to office.
“With record gas prices, record CEO pay packages, and record oil company profits, Speaker Hastert and the Majority Congress continue to give the American people empty rhetoric rather than join Democrats who are working to lower gas prices now.
“Democrats have a commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices by cracking down on price gouging, rolling back the billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, tax breaks and royalty relief given to big oil and gas companies, and increasing production of alternative fuels.”

Well it's been two whole years since they took over congress and no plan yet...

[Tchocky]

Democrats have a commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices by cracking down on price gouging, rolling back the billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, tax breaks and royalty relief given to big oil and gas companies

Morons.

Well it's been two whole years since they took over congress and no plan yet...

Actually, August, this article is from April 2006. So they hadn't taken over at that stage.

Regarding high gas prices, allow me to quote STEED

Those days are long gone people time to knuckle down to hard cold facts.

[August]

Originally Posted by Tchocky

Morons.

Actually, August, this article is from April 2006. So they hadn't taken over at that stage.

I stand corrected. ALMOST two years...

[Tchocky]

Well, you know what they say about election promises

Although, when you think about it, the rise since OCTober 06 has been so large that they might have been successful, but a 5% drop isn't noticeable against a 20% rise.
I doubt that this is the case.

[August]

Nah there's been no plan. No mention of legislation passed or bills making the rounds. They out and out lied, but what the hey it helped get them elected.

[Tchocky]

Well, I know the Energy Independence Act raised fuel economy standards, which is a roundabout way of reducing real prices. As is improving efficiency in energy usage, means there's more to go around.
Then again, the press release is more a piece of politics than a plan, contradictory in the extreme. Also, the idea that a single government can reduce gas prices is ridicuous.
EDIT - As I look at it, a few of the things in the statement were parts of the ACt not enacted - Link

August, Skybird is correct. The idea of lots of oil just sitting off the coast, waiting to be sucked up, is misleading. Example. Remember that's 50 cents per barrel, not per gallon.

EDIT - Expanding the idea of offshore drilling, Dean Baker has run some numbers. 8 cents per gallon

Either party tells you they'll lower gas prices, they're lying.

[Skybird]

Gas prices in Germany are three times as high as in the US, so why aren't you guys stop whining.

If somebody thinks that starting offshore drilling at the american coasts again will have a real effect on gas prices, he better thinks twice. It is election propaganda only, and will help nothing substantial with the critical price niveau.

[August]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Gas prices in Germany are three times as high as in the US, so why aren't you guys stop whining.

If somebody thinks that starting offshore drilling at the american coasts again will have a real effect on gas prices, he better thinks twice. It is election propaganda only, and will help nothing substantial with the critical price niveau.

Gee thanks for your highly valued opinion Skybird.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by August

Well it's been two whole years since they took over congress and no plan yet...

Strictly speaking the Democrats only have a majority in the house (53%)

In the Senate the Democrats have 49 and the Republicans have 49 with two independents Senators Sanders and Lieberman.

[UnderseaLcpl]

The federal government makes more in taxes on gas (in all stages of production and distribution) than the oil companies make in profits. I say get rid of the taxes and let the market do the rest. At least then high gas prices will be our own fault.