Bonamici Helps House Pass Bill to Crack Down on Gas Price Gouging

WASHINGTON, DC [5/19/22] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) helped the House pass legislation to crack down on gas price gouging and excessive price increases by oil companies.

"While prices at the pump have been soaring over recent months, oil and gas companies have been raking in record profits and sending large dividends to their shareholders," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "I'm glad the House passed legislation to prevent price gouging at the pump. As long as we remain dependent on fossil fuels, we will be at the mercy of the oil and gas industry. We must transition to renewable energy for the sake of our economy and our planet."

The four largest oil companies have made $27 billion in profits during the first quarter of 2022, as gas prices continue to rise in Oregon and across the country. The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act would grant the president the power to issue an emergency energy proclamation outlawing the sale of consumer fuels – fuel for cars and airplanes as well as home heating oil and liquid propane – at artificially high prices during the emergency period. It would also increase oversight and accountability by strengthening the FTC's authority over the energy market.

A fact sheet with more details about H.R., 7688 Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act can be found here.

If you have experienced price gouging in Oregon, you can file a complaint by calling the Oregon Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 503-378-8442.

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