Senator Edwards Wants Probe of High Gas Prices

[scottinnj]

Senator Edwards wants Probe of High Gas Prices (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070531/edwards_gas_prices.html?.v=1)


AP
Edwards Wants Probe of High Gas Prices
Thursday May 31, 12:41 pm ET
By Rachel Konrad, Associated Press Writer
Edwards Calls for Investigation of Oil Company Mergers, High Gas Prices

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards says a wave of mergers in the oil industry should be investigated by the Justice Department to see what impact they have had on soaring gasoline prices.
During a campaign stop in Silicon Valley Thursday, Edwards planned to berate the oil industry for "anticompetitive actions" and outline an energy plan he says would reduce oil imports "and get us on a path to be virtually petroleum-free within a generation."

"Vertically integrated companies like Exxon Mobil own every step of the production process -- from extraction to refining to sale at the pump, enabling them to foreclose competition," says an outline of Edward's energy plan.

Edwards' call for a major shift away from oil use would include, according to the document:

-- An increase of federal auto fuel economy requirements to 40 miles per gallon from the current 27.5 mpg by 2016.

-- Expansion of the use of biofuels such as ethanol, including a requirement for oil companies to make available E-85 fuel (which has 85 percent ethanol) at a quarter of their stations. Edwards wants all new cars to be able to use E-85 by 2010.

-- Mandatory restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide with an aim to cut CO2 and other greenhouse gases by 80 percent by mid-century.

-- Creation of a $13 billion energy fund from the sale of greenhouse gas permits and ending some tax breaks for the oil industry. The money would be used to support biofuels and conservation technologies.

Many of Edwards' proposals -- from cutting greenhouse gas emissions to investigating oil industry consolidation -- have been the subject of numerous hearings in Congress this years, as has calls by Democrats to make automobiles more fuel efficient.

Rival Democratic presidential candidates, including Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, also have called for expanded use of ethanol and other measures to reduce the country's reliance on oil.

But Edwards' message may resonate especially in California, the nation's most delegate-rich state, which has perennially high gasoline prices.

On Wednesday, the average regular-grade gasoline in California was $3.41 per gallon, according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. The national average was $3.20 per gallon, compared to $2.85 a year ago.

But Tupper Hull, spokesman for the Sacramento-based Western States Petroleum Association, said the prices reflected market rates, and an antitrust investigation would be a waste of time. He said the industry has been the subject of more than 20 state and federal investigations over the past two decades.

(This version CORRECTS 5th graf to 40 mpg, sted 45. Event scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EDT.)






It's about time. Edwards is a douche, but at least he is getting the ball rolling and maybe somebody more competent then him will get the job done with the anti-trust thing.

[Midkiff]

The terrorists have to get their money from SOMEWHERE!!!

[HBox]

The best thing that could happen to spur on the progression and adoption of cleaner fuel technology is high gas prices. If gas stays cheap it may never happen.

It's a catch-22 with most people and they don't even know it. They want cheap gas and they want us off Middle Eastern oil. Well, Middle Eastern Oil is the cheapest on the planet.

You want cleaner, renewable fuels and you want out of the Middle East? You'll have to pay more. That's something people have to realize. And when people complain about every time the price of gas goes up they are ultimately making their choice.

[Fezticle98]

I'd like to probe Senator Edwards...what a dreamboat.

These calls for gas-price probes are a dime a dozen. I've heard this many different times, from many different politicians, yet gas prices continue to go higher. If we don't either reduce consumption or find alternative, renewable energy sources, these companies will continue to rake us over the coals.

Nothing against Edwards, but IMO this is nothing more than a cheap political ploy.

[Fezticle98]

The terrorists have to get their money from SOMEWHERE!!!

They get their money from pot, if you believe those anti-drug commercials. Riiiiiiiight.....

[WRESTLINGFAN]

Its a huge waste of time. Im just as pissed everyone else but there is no price gouging. Doesn't he understand basic economics? Supply and demand. There is a huge demand for gasoline and supplies are tight due to the lack of refining capacity. Also Oil companies make 8 cents per gallon meanwhile the average amount we pay in local and federal taxes is 47 cents per gallon. Here in NY its closer to 60 cents in taxes.

[underdog]

Nothing against Edwards, but IMO this is nothing more than a cheap political ploy.

That's exactly what it looks like. "Hmm... what can I do so the voters will like me? I know, I'll complain about high gas prices!"

"Abortions for all!"

[Fezticle98]

"Abortions for all!"

Boo!

[TheMojoPin]

They get their money from pot, if you believe those anti-drug commercials. Riiiiiiiight.....

Actually, depending on which group, a lot of them get a nice chunk of change from the drug trade. Granted, most of that is through heroin/opium/et al, but still...

[underdog]

Boo!

Very well, Abortions for none!

[Fezticle98]

Very well, Abortions for none!

Boo!

[JPMNICK]

how about he looks into nuclear power for this country, instead of fossil fuels. and then after that he can realize that with a nuclear infrastructure a hydrogen based economy would be much more feasible

[underdog]

Boo!

Abortions for some, miniature American flags for the others!

[Fezticle98]

Actually, depending on which group, a lot of them get a nice chunk of change from the drug trade. Granted, most of that is through heroin/opium/et al, but still...

Yes, mostly opium and heroin. The commercials run about pot smokers supporting terrorists are ridiculous. If the government was concerned about marijuana sales funding terrorism, they would legalize it.

The war on drugs has been a failure, so they have made a spurious link between marijuana and the war on terror.

[Fezticle98]

Abortions for some, miniature American flags for the others!

Yeah!


(don't blame me, I voted for Kodos)

[Fat_Sunny]

how about he looks into nuclear power for this country, instead of fossil fuels

Fat's Tellin Ya, Whether Left, Right, Center, Libertarian ,Commie Or Skin Head, There Is An OVERWHELMING Majority Constituency That Wants To Solve The Energy Crisis In This Country STAT!!!! Why It Hasn't Happened Yet Is One Of Life's Great Mysteries.

If The Pinko's Will Give F_S Nuclear + Anwar Temporarily, Then He Will Give You Emission Standards + Money To Invest In Clean Car Technology. Deal????

[HBox]

I don't blame the nuclear thing on politicians. This is a textbook example of NIMBY, Not In My Back Yard. Try to build one ANYWHERE and of course environmental groups will protest it but what would kill it is the people living anywhere near it protesting. It's a non-starter, unfortunately.

[epo]

Its a huge waste of time. Im just as pissed everyone else but there is no price gouging. Doesn't he understand basic economics? Supply and demand. There is a huge demand for gasoline and supplies are tight due to the lack of refining capacity. Also Oil companies make 8 cents per gallon meanwhile the average amount we pay in local and federal taxes is 47 cents per gallon. Here in NY its closer to 60 cents in taxes.

Alright...I'll be your Huckleberry. What's the huge waste of time? The fact that the largest, most profitable industry in this nation haven't re-invested in their own future and blamed it on pricing and it's our (the consumers) faults? So obviously that's economics? Or the fact that oil companies have run a goddamned monopoly over this country for the past 20 years and are cashing out....and the American populus is finally catching on is a real problem...

Blame it on taxes? Fuck that interest group. Fuck the fact that this nation is pouring money into countries that run in direct opposition to our nation self-interest, just to fuel our stupid vehicles.

God damn...I'm so tired of this issue. This should have been done 20 years ago....if our nation gave a shit about the truth and our future.

[epo]

Fat's Tellin Ya, Whether Left, Right, Center, Libertarian ,Commie Or Skin Head, There Is An OVERWHELMING Majority Constituency That Wants To Solve The Energy Crisis In This Country STAT!!!! Why It Hasn't Happened Yet Is One Of Life's Great Mysteries.

If The Pinko's Will Give F_S Nuclear + Anwar Temporarily, Then He Will Give You Emission Standards + Money To Invest In Clean Car Technology. Deal????

You are right about this FAT.....we need a solution sooner rather than later. I'd rather deal with rich Iowans & their corn than rich Saudis......

[Fat_Sunny]

You are right about this FAT.....we need a solution sooner rather than later. I'd rather deal with rich Iowans & their corn than rich Saudis......

Well, Call Kohl And Feingold And See What You Can Get Started Epo! F_S Is An Establishment Kinda Guy, But His Blood Is Boiling On This!!!!!!

[epo]

Well, Call Kohl And Feinberg And See What You Can Get Started Epo! F_S Is An Establishment Kinda Guy, But His Blood Is Boiling On This!!!!!!

Feinberg/Feingold....I won't tell.

Either way, I think this is another issue we can reach across the aisle. It's bad for our national security & economy to continue on the current path.

I just wish we had candidates on both sides of the aisle lay out their 10 year plans for this nation's well-being. It would be such a positive step in the right direction that we need.

[Fat_Sunny]

Feinberg/Feingold....I won't tell.

Either way, I think this is another issue we can reach across the aisle. It's bad for our national security & economy to continue on the current path.

I just wish we had candidates on both sides of the aisle lay out their 10 year plans for this nation's well-being. It would be such a positive step in the right direction that we need.


Agreed. Laugh If You Will, But F_S Would Love To See "Contracts With America" From BOTH Sides Of The Aisle. He Would Even Vote For An HONEST Dem Who Had The Guts To Lay Out A SINCERE Plan.

But, Sadly. It Won't Happen!!!

PS: Fat Got The Name Right Before The 2-minute Editing Deadline!!! Epo Just Copied It Too Fast!

[HBox]

I thought this chart might be interesting in this thread. It a graph of how much we can save in carbon emissions when replacing petroleum with others fuel sources. Keep in mind of course that there is no one source in the graph that can completely replace petroleum on its own.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/05/29/business/0529-biz-webCOAL.gif

[epo]

Feinberg/Feingold....I won't tell.

Either way, I think this is another issue we can reach across the aisle. It's bad for our national security & economy to continue on the current path.

I just wish we had candidates on both sides of the aisle lay out their 10 year plans for this nation's well-being. It would be such a positive step in the right direction that we need.


Agreed. Laugh If You Will, But F_S Would Love To See "Contracts With America" From BOTH Sides Of The Aisle. He Would Even Vote For An HONEST Dem Who Had The Guts To Lay Out A SINCERE Plan.

But, Sadly. It Won't Happen!!!

PS: Fat Got The Name Right Before The 2-minute Editing Deadline!!! Epo Just Copied It Too Fast!

I would love it if candidates on both sides of the aisle lay out long-term plans. I think that would be the means on to which we could start to construct a real national debate. Who really stands for what? And who stands for who?

As Yahoff Smirnoff would say....."What a country!"

Until then it's all 30-second soundbites which don't matter and no long-term solutions are reached....and we are in the same dog-patch for the next 30 years.

PS: I did see FAT in the deadline....but got a chuckle of him being late for the difference. Actually I'm impressed that Fat knew the Senators for my fine state!

[weezcase]

Its a huge waste of time. Im just as pissed everyone else but there is no price gouging. Doesn't he understand basic economics? Supply and demand. There is a huge demand for gasoline and supplies are tight due to the lack of refining capacity. Also Oil companies make 8 cents per gallon meanwhile the average amount we pay in local and federal taxes is 47 cents per gallon. Here in NY its closer to 60 cents in taxes.

generally yeah, but gas prices are higher now than they were last year and the price of a barrel of oil is down like 10-15 dollars or something, that doesn't exactly follow the rules of supply and demand

[Fat_Sunny]

A. Nuclear, Solar, And Wind Are Not On Their Chart; F_S Would Like To See One WIth Everything Included.

B. Why Would Hydrogen Be Less Clean Than Ethanol And Biodiesal? If The Hydrogen By_Product Is Water, How Does That Increase "Greenhouse Gas Emissions"? Is Water A Greenhouse Gas??

[Fat_Sunny]

[QUOTE=Fat_Sunny;1336825]

I would love it if candidates on both sides of the aisle lay out long-term plans. I think that would be the means on to which we could start to construct a real national debate. Who really stands for what? And who stands for who?

As Yahoff Smirnoff would say....."What a country!"

Until then it's all 30-second soundbites which don't matter and no long-term solutions are reached....and we are in the same dog-patch for the next 30 years.

PS: I did see FAT in the deadline....but got a chuckle of him being late for the difference. Actually I'm impressed that Fat knew the Senators for my fine state!

Remember It Was Fat's State Too! Although He Is In NJ Now, He Grew Up In The "Lake Country" Of Wisconsin!!!

[Yerdaddy]

I'd like to probe Senator Edwards...what a dreamboat.

These calls for gas-price probes are a dime a dozen. I've heard this many different times, from many different politicians, yet gas prices continue to go higher. If we don't either reduce consumption or find alternative, renewable energy sources, these companies will continue to rake us over the coals.

Nothing against Edwards, but IMO this is nothing more than a cheap political ploy.

It's called democracy. Half of what gets done is for a cheap political ploy, and that's because that's the only time anyone pays attention to what they're doing. Other than when they snuff out their intern of course.

First of all nothing is going to get us off Middle Eastern oil until it runs out or we decide to promote terror-tourism on top of it like we're doing now. All we can do is reduce our consumption and anything that finally fucking forces our fat, drunk and stupid asses to actually do that I'm for. Including a carbon tax.

[HBox]

A. Nuclear, Solar, And Wind Are Not On Their Chart; F_S Would Like To See One WIth Everything Included.

B. Why Would Hydrogen Be Less Clean Than Ethanol And Biodiesal? If The Hydrogen By_Product Is Water, How Does That Increase "Greenhouse Gas Emissions"? Is Water A Greenhouse Gas??

The energy it takes to produce it and distribute it in a form that can be used as fuel is what makes hydrogen less clean. And the chart is in reference to fuels that can be used to power automobiles. So solar wind and nuclear were actually included under the umbrella electricity category.

[A.J.]

I preferred Senator Schumer's call for a probe of higher cereal prices. That'll show those fatcats at Kellogg's!

[Dan 'Hampton]

I thought that the Dems were going to give us cheaper gas once they got elected. Exactly what the hell have they done, besides pushing legislation that they knew full well would never override a veto?

[epo]

I thought that the Dems were going to give us cheaper gas once they got elected. Exactly what the hell have they done, besides pushing legislation that they knew full well would never override a veto?

Do you understand how this country works?

[Dougie Brootal]

The terrorists have to get their money from SOMEWHERE!!!

http://www2.rnw.nl/assets/images/Drugs_20011207.jpg

[Dan 'Hampton]

Do you understand how this country works?

sarcasm. Got it?

[patsopinion]

The terrorists have to get their money from SOMEWHERE!!!

i thought they got there money every time i bought pot?
dam this is confusing




didnt we do this a few months ago and the dude with the jowls hanging from chin showed up looking like house attradies and all the senators got scared and let them all go?

[epo]

[QUOTE=epo;1336828]

Remember It Was Fat's State Too! Although He Is In NJ Now, He Grew Up In The "Lake Country" Of Wisconsin!!!

A little western Waukesha county area for Fat?

[Fat_Sunny]

[QUOTE=Fat_Sunny;1336833]

A little western Waukesha county area for Fat?

Yes! Actually, Not Sure If It Was Western Or Central Waukesha County. Fat Can't Be Too Specific...Epo Will Understand.

Are You Milwaukee??

[epo]

[QUOTE=epo;1338932]

Yes! Actually, Not Sure If It Was Western Or Central Waukesha County. Fat Can't Be Too Specific...Epo Will Understand.

Are You Milwaukee??

Menomonee Falls

[Fat_Sunny]

Home Of, What Was The Name Of The Big Car Dealer That Always Advertised...Ernie Von Shleghorn/Shlayhorn???

[epo]

Home Of, What Was The Name Of The Big Car Dealer That Always Advertised...Ernie Von Shleghorn/Shlayhorn???

Ernie von Schledorn! Who wants to buy a car? (http://www.evsauto.com/)

Is this more of that EPO & Fat Sunny getting along stuff?

[Fat_Sunny]

Ernie von Schledorn! Who wants to buy a car? (http://www.evsauto.com/)

Is this more of that EPO & Fat Sunny getting along stuff?

F_S Gets All Mushy When He's Drunk.

You're An Asshole!

[K.C.]

Nothing against Edwards, but IMO this is nothing more than a cheap political ploy.

Since when is anything said during an election cycle NOT a cheap political ploy?

It's not a bad idea, but here's the problem...

The rest of the world (and by that I mean Europe) pays MUCH more for gas because they:
a) tax it
b) adopt a policy of conservation
c) have extensive working public transportation systems


The bottom line in this country is that we need to use less of it...people are unwiling to change unless they're coerced into it on this matter so higher prices aren't necessarily a bad thing (although rest assure I'll be bitching when I fill up tomorrow).

The problem is that prices aren't going up from it being taxed...the government has no hand in it...it's going because of what basically amounts to price gouging by the corporations.

[Fezticle98]

Since when is anything said during an election cycle NOT a cheap political ploy?

It's not a bad idea, but here's the problem...

The rest of the world (and by that I mean Europe) pays MUCH more for gas because they:
a) tax it
b) adopt a policy of conservation
c) have extensive working public transportation systems


The bottom line in this country is that we need to use less of it...people are unwiling to change unless they're coerced into it on this matter so higher prices aren't necessarily a bad thing (although rest assure I'll be bitching when I fill up tomorrow).

The problem is that prices aren't going up from it being taxed...the government has no hand in it...it's going because of what basically amounts to price gouging by the corporations.

People keep quoting me, then acting like they are disagreeing, but essentially stating something quite similar to what I originally said.

Your points about Europe are true. Problem is, there are not the viable alternatives transportation-wise in the U.S. For most people, public transportation is not a real option, left only to those who are too poor to afford a car. I lived in Germany, and often took the train because it was convenient, even though I had access to discount gas on base.
I think that the public transport problem has as much to do with the size of our country as with our car-obsessed culture. Locally, public transport is done pretty well in cities like NY, SF, etc, but that can't be replicated all over.

You say that (essentially) price-gouging is to blame. It's a fine line between the free market and price gouging. And if it falls more toward price gouging, it is incumbent on the government to step in and take action. If it's the free market, then we have no one to blame but our gas-guzzling selves.