Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that would update the Price Gouging Act in a narrow manner to allow the Office of Attorney General to investigate price gouging of gasoline and petroleum products outside of a declaration of disaster. 
 

The ongoing increases in gasoline prices have affected Pennsylvanians across the state, and I have heard from numerous constituents about the impact that this is having on them and their families. I am confident that many of my colleagues have heard these concerns, as well. Although there are clear causes for the upward pressure on prices at the pump, it is reasonable to ask whether unscrupulous operators are taking advantage of the situation and charging unfair prices. Unfortunately, state law currently does not allow the Attorney General to investigate this situation without a disaster declaration from the Governor. 
 

As such, my legislation would enable the Office of Attorney General to investigate price gouging complaints from consumers regarding the price of gasoline or diesel fuel without the need for a declaration of disaster. This authority would be limited to the pricing of these specific commodities, though available at any time. Additionally, any price increase of at least 10 percent in the span of 60 days or less for these products would be considered justification to investigate. 
 

Please join me in supporting this legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania consumers are protected from unfairly high gas and diesel prices.