Another Crime Federalized

I guess once every crime is federalized that we can just do away with the state and local governments.

House OKs Energy Price-Gouging Punishment

By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer

The House on Wednesday approved criminal penalties and fines of up to $150 million for energy companies caught price gouging, yet lawmakers acknowledged there is no quick and easy fix to higher pump prices.

President Bush summoned Democrats and Republicans to the White House to discuss legislation to address long-term energy concerns.

"The price of gasoline should serve as a wake-up call ... that we've got an energy security problem and a national security problem and now is the time to deal with it in a forceful way," Bush said after the meeting.

With bipartisan support, the House approved on a 389-34 vote a measure that would create a price-gouging law and permit large fines and jail time for violators.

The Senate has yet to consider the legislation.

The House did reject a Republican bill that supporters said would make it easier to build refineries in hopes of easing tight gasoline supplies.

All but 13 Democrats opposed the measure, intended to quicken the permitting process. They said it would not bring down gas prices, could lessen environmental protection and usurp local say where refineries go.

- rest at LINK

 

There will only be fines if there is proven price gouging going on. The major oil companies have not engaged in price gouging during my lifetime. The only price gouging, if any, would be at isolated gasoline stations and that would be the responsibility of the local station owner, not a major oil company.