Posted on 09/01/2005 12:44:33 PM PDT by Born Conservative
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Ed Rendell on Thursday urged Pennsylvanians to conserve gasoline and said he is considering more drastic steps if gas prices continue to rise, including rationing fuel or suspending the state's 31-cent-per-gallon fuel tax.
While stressing that such actions are not inevitable, Rendell said his administration is closely monitoring soaring gasoline prices, which exceed $3-per-gallon in parts of Pennsylvania, and spot shortages of fuel that have occurred elsewhere.
To temporarily lift the state gas tax, the governor said he would have to call the Legislature into special session and obtain its approval. He noted, however, that such a move could seriously disrupt funding for highway and bridge work across the state.
"I'm looking at whether we could do that for a short period of time and somewhat mitigate the cost to our highway construction and maintenance program," he said.
If gasoline supplies are disrupted and shortages occur, the state could require fuel rationing, he said.
Rendell said he could declare a fuel emergency — and take over authority to prosecute fuel sellers for price gouging from state Attorney General Tom Corbett — if he becomes convinced that gas prices in Pennsylvania are "beyond what market conditions dictate." He said he did not yet know what that threshold would be.
Fast Eddie ping
A Democrat proposing a cut in taxes!!! The end is near my friends. I fully expected to read about a tax increase(it's for the children, don't ya see!).
I would be very surprised if Fast Eddie's solution wasn't to RAISE the gas tax to "spur conservation"
Of course, it would just a "temporary" increase.
Governor Rendell is also considering eating a lot less.
This is a joke. In suburban Pgh the price has gone up 50 cents per gallon in 24 hours. Course it's not as bad as what is happening in Atlanta.
NEVER believe a word Fast Eddie says...
I keep calling him Fat Eddie. Darn typos....
I really hope someone does not tell him that idea.
While a good thing, this would have absolutely no affect on gas prices, only on who the cash associated with gasoline purchased flowed to
Yes, PENNDOT crews might have to go with only five people standing around all day instead of the usual six.
Highest I've seen here in State College is still $2.99/gal. Hasn't moved since yesterday.
Ping
My son left me with an 1/8 of a tank of gas in my car. arggg
Okay, who said this, and what have they done with Ed Rendell?
Buy him a bike ... it's cheaper *L*
Its gouging around Pittsburgh, pure and simple right now.. people aren't panicking... just gouging.
Love how suspending the tax is at the bottom of the list.
LOL he has his own car but the transmission is slipping. I made him use it today to force him to get it fixed.
I would hate to see any rationing in PA. That will create panic rather than help.
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