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.
Doesn't suprise me. Has gone to $3.19 for regular.
This certainly looks like a golden opportunity for our enemies to strike. If any plans were in the works I'll bet they are rushing to complete them. Imagine Two New Orleans, all hell would break loose.
LOL. Ed's been doing a lot of strange stuff lately, hasn't he? He just sent 2500 National Guard to Mississippi too.
OK! Ban driving, Gov.
The funny thing is that Fox, earlier today, was at a station in Mississippi and they were charging only $2.70 a gallon.
It's always amusing to see that kind of posting and the next one talks about how they filled their truck and a couple cans in the back. Can't possibly imagine that increased demand might have something to do with it.
"If gasoline supplies are disrupted and shortages occur, the state could require fuel rationing, he said."
Liberals impede drilling, refineries and all things fossil fuel....then they have the temerity to tell us to ration! My head's gonna explode!!!!!!....(deep breathes, deep breathes...visualize a placid lake, macamadamia)
Good (and scary) point. What's the next biggest set of refineries in the nation ? I hope they doubled the guard in Houston for the refineries.
Palmer,
I live less than 3 miles from downtown pittsburgh, there is no gas panicing going on. If there were I wouldn't be able to drive my car anywhere.. There is no panicing going on in PIttsburgh, and there is nothing remotely going on to justify .50 a gallon increase, over 3 incriments in 1 day here... other than pure all out gouging.
Gasoline sold in Pittsburgh, is refined generally in NJ, not LA... the pipeline is stable and fine, there is no shortage of supply yet, or increase in demand. All you have going on is folks watching the news, and raising their prices based on what they hear or see on CNN.
Price increases should hit when they get there next shipment in, and it costs them more to buy, not every few hours because some talking head idiot on CNN is saying nonsense.
THere is no panic going on in Pittsburgh, just gouging.
Baytown, Deer park and Texas City. All in greater Houston Area, as am I.
If you're simply facing rising costs (and supply is not the question), asking people to conserve is odd-- the high price should be more effective at getting them to cut their consumption.
I'm not sure what problem Rendell is trying to solve.
A Democrat proposing a cut in taxes!!!
There must be a catch. I think you're right, a cut followed by a larger increase. Coupled with gas rationing. Maybe he'll try Carter's plans. Who can forget the odd-even license plate deal - odd plates could buy gas on odd numbered days of the month and even plates on even numbered days, later expanded to include dollar limits unless you had special permission. Barf.
And all were threatened by Hurricane Allen in 1980, which was even bigger and badder than Katrina until it did us the favor of veering to the west and stalling off the coast and going in over the King Ranch.
Katrina was nothing new. It just hit us in a vital spot. Houston is probably even more vital. We better pray no major hurricane hits Houston anytime soon.
Fast Eddie ping!
I'll need fifty dollars to get to PA with the 3.50/gallon I'm seeing here. Used to be 2.41 and 2.50. Today I'm walking wherever I to go and riding my bicycle.
Noticed you were from State College, I'm right over the mountain in Burnham (Lewistown). Glad to know there's another freeper somewhat close. Gas was 2.59 yesterday on my way to work, at lunch it was 2.79, on my way home it was 2.83 and last night it was 2.99. This morning it was still 2.99 but at lunch it is 3.18! Hearing it is to be $4.00 on the weekend! I just went and pre-paid for oil - it has gone up 30 cents since yesterday. Hate to complain too much after watching the people in the south.
Had it not been for a cool front in August (who ever heard of sure a thing!) Katrina would have been ours. Houston would fair much better in a Katrina type storm since Houston is on higher ground, but it would still be very very bad. Let's hope no big bad canes hit Houston this year. But if one does and they open the Astrodome as a shelter, I ain't going there!
You're seeing 3.50? My station is still 2.99, a relative blessing, but up another 20c overnight. Yeah, all that you - or any of us! - would need is for Eddie to put conservation plans in effect. I'm sure it won't slow his highness down.
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