WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior Democratic Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today issued the following letter from the entire Massachusetts delegation calling on Governor Romney to immediately investigate market conditions to determine whether an energy market emergency exists in order to address consumer price gouging. The letter signed by Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry and Representatives: Markey, Capuano, McGovern, Lynch, Frank, Tierney, Delahunt, Neal, Olver and Meehan calls for immediate action to prevent Massachusetts consumers from gas price-gouging.

The lawmakers’ letter reads: “As governor, you have the power to investigate these market conditions to determine whether an energy market emergency exists so that the full powers of the executive branch can be harnessed to stop unreasonable price
increases.”

The letter sent urges immediate action from Governor Romney:

“We urge you to do so immediately, not only to protect the consumers of gasoline and home heating oil in Massachusetts, but also to support those within the gasoline distribution system who are continuing to play fair even as unscrupulous price-gouging
competitors exploit this tragedy.”

“We need to have inspectors on the ground immediately to make sure that the consumers of Massachusetts are not being looting by oil companies taking advantage of a national crisis,” said Representative Ed Markey.

There are press reports that various gas stations in Massachusetts closing down. Other stations have long lines of customers waiting to pay as much as $3.85 for a gallon of gas.

The full text of the letter sent today can be found at: Mass Matters

 iss_energy_ltr050902.pdf (763.23 KB) Letter to Governor Romney, September 2, 2005