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May 26, 2001
ROCKEFELLER INTRODUCES BILL TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY GAS PRICE RELIEF
Program to Assist Those Hardest Hit by Skyrocketing Costs at the Pump
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tackling one of the most critical components of the national energy crisis, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) introduced the "Low-Income Gas Assistance Act of 2001" today to provide relief from surging gas prices to those who need it most. The bill would create an emergency assistance program to help West Virginians, and all Americans, currently suffering the greatest burdens from high gas costs.
"This bill offers temporary relief to those who simply cannot make ends meet now that the cost of filling up has risen so dramatically," Rockefeller said. "This legislation ensures that working families get the transportation assistance they need so that they can drive to the places they must get to, such as work or school."
Relief is especially necessary in rural areas that lack access to public transportation, such as most of West Virginia. "Thousands of residents in my state must depend on automobiles to get around," Rockefeller said. "Nobody should have to live in fear of being unable to afford the cost of getting to work, school, or a doctor’s appointment."
The legislation is modeled on the successful Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which has helped working families and seniors cope with home heating costs. Rockefeller’s bill would give grants to states to provide assistance to people who drive 30 miles a day (or an average of 150 miles a week) to work, education, or scheduled routine health care. Eligible families who meet income guidelines similar to those in LIHEAP would receive monthly stipends of $25 to $75 to help cover gas costs.
Rockefeller pointed out that, by taking immediate steps to address the urgent problem of gas prices currently plaguing the nation, this bill does what the President’s energy plan failed to do. "The Administration has not unveiled any plans to lower gas prices, so it is up to Congress to take action," he said. "Enacting the Low Income Gas Assistance program is an ideal way to help Americans now."
Two weeks ago, Rockefeller wrote letters to Vice President Cheney and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Robert Pitofsky demanding immediate action to stem the tide of rising gas prices, and requesting the FTC to launch a full-scale investigation into the reasons behind the price surge.
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