WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its short-term energy and winter fuels outlook today predicting home heating cost increases up to 75%. Households across the country should expect average increases of 48% for natural gas, 32% for heating oil, and 30% for households using propane. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee made the following remarks in response to the EIA release:

“Last week the Republican Congress passed an energy bill that does NOTHING to address the needs of families across this country that will be scrimping and saving just to keep their heat on this winter,” said Rep. Markey.

He added, “In fact, all but three House Republicans voted twice to defeat amendments that would have give the Federal Trade Commission powerful new tools to go after price gouging by oil and gas companies. President Bush and House Republicans appear to be much more interested in helping their friends in the oil industry keep profits high than in helping American families cope with freezing temperatures and outrageous heating bills.”

Last month, Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) sent a letter to the Chairmen of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education urging an increase in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The letter, signed by 81 lawmakers, requested that the 2006 Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill include a $4 billion increase in funding for LIHEAP to meet the needs of the American families facing skyrocketing home heating costs this winter.

For more information on the letter sent today or Markey’s work on affordable energy check out:
www.house.gov/markey the report can be found at EIA.