Klobuchar asks Department of Energy to act on gas prices

duluth news/pioneer press ^ | 5-16-13 | duluth news/pioneer press

[TurboZamboni]

Sen. Amy Klobuchar has asked the U.S. Department of Energy to investigate the steep increase in Minnesota gas prices over the past few weeks.

Gasoline industry officials say regional gas prices have jumped 80 cents in the past month and 30 cents in the past week because of both unexpected and planned shutdowns at gasoline refineries.

But Klobuchar said the impact of temporary closures shouldn't have so much impact on the price consumers have to pay.

In a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, the Democratic senator called on the Department of Energy to thoroughly examine the closures and timing of scheduled maintenance operations to prevent future supply shocks that cause gas prices to rise.

[TurboZamboni]

Chu wants prices like Europe. Besides, what can he do-tell us to paint our roofs white?

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

From $3.75 to $4.19 in ONE DAY is a scam. Now, it’s $4.35!!

[Tax-chick]

Put in price controls and let people wait in line. Anything’s better than suffering from feelings of injustice.

[martinidon]

just sic the IRS on on them....

[funfan]

I guess the good senator didn’t get the memo or maybe she did but is playing good cop bad cop. High gas means we all get to ride the bus or a burro with a burro you will carry
your groceries in your government approved bag on your head.

[Paladin2]

No XL Pipeline.

Bammy's fault.

[TurboZamboni]

Bush/Cheney/Halliburton cabal again.

[Paladin2]

Riding the bus means you need to get rid of your dog.

[TurboZamboni]

hemp bag. “sustainable” from the local food co-op.

[Don Corleone]

From $3.75 to $4.19 in ONE DAY is a scam. Now, it’s $4.35!!

$3.05 here in the Old Pueblo. Not that I consider that cheap as I can remember 15 cent a gallon gas.

[kabar]

Blame it on those tree huggers in MN, a cesspool of leftists. They like to put all kinds of requirements for boutique fuels so they can save the planet. Let them pay for it. The last time MN voted for a GOP Presidential candidate was 1972 and the only time since 1960.

Hell, they have groups in MN protesting the shipment of sand to ND for fracking.

[cicero2k]

I was in MN for two days on business. A 50 cent rise while I was there. Suppliers must be freaking out to raise at this rate. It is either this or shortages.

But BOR on Fox will still blame speculators.

[depressed in 06]

A small price to pay for having gay marriage.

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

“A small price to pay for having gay marriage.”

Whare’s the PUKE button.

[Thorliveshere]

I thought this is what Klobuchar and her party wanted... a “gradual increase.”

[kabar]

Klobuchar added that "while refiners must adjust their plants for seasonal gasoline blends and perform necessary upgrades to protect worker safety and repair equipment, scheduled maintenance should not be allowed to contribute to such a major gasoline shortage."

What a hypocrite. She is one of those who supports regulations that make it virtually impossible to build new refineries. And each state develops its own gas blend requirements forcing refineries to adjust to a diverse and changing marketplace.

[Pining_4_TX]

Not this crap again! Prices have a basis in reality. Nobody thinks there is a conspiracy going on when they drop.

What we really need an investigation on is how our government is destroying the value of the dollar, and why we have to put up with the various idiotic environmental mandates of the various states that make the price of gasoline jump every freakin’ spring and summer.

Wherever there is a problem in commerce, you can be sure government is the cause.

[Senator_Blutarski]

Perhaps if my intellectually challenged Senator would support energy friendly legislation gas prices would be lower. But she votes the Democrat party line: No drilling, no pipelines, no refineries, no coal, and lots of windmills.

Here's a clue Amy: Windmills don't generate gasoline.

[Milton Miteybad]

Riding the bus means you need to get rid of your dog.

No problem. Barry the Boob is probably jonesin' for a snack anyway.

[Dusty Road]

Ya want cheaper prices move closer to the oil.