Gas prices fuel
Schwartz’s ire

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz stood in front of a chart showing that gasoline prices had risen from an average of $1.45 per gallon to $2.91 a gallon since President George W. Bush took office in January 2001.
Schwartz (D-13th dist.) complained that gas prices seem to rise by the hour.
"We’d like to find gas for two ninety-one a gallon," she said.
Schwartz held a news conference on Friday at her district office in Mayfair to show the skyrocketing cost of gasoline, along with the record profits reaped by oil companies.
In 2002, oil company profits were $34 billion. In 2005, the figure jumped to $113 billion.
The congresswoman believes that high gas prices have a negative effect not only on motorists, but on businesses such as UPS and pizza delivery shops. Also, she’s heard that some volunteers are cutting down their hours because of the cost.
To add insult to injury, she said, Exxon Mobil Corp. recently paid its retiring chief executive, Lee R. Raymond, $398 million.
Schwartz believes there’s an "extraordinary disconnect" in this country, noting that consumers are paying high gas prices to oil companies that make record profits while receiving subsidies from the government.
"It’s outrageous," she said.
Schwartz wants to end tax subsidies to the oil companies and spend the money on research and technology related to alternative fuels.
In addition, she favors increased fuel standards for automobiles and tax breaks for people who buy hybrid cars. She is looking to purchase a hybrid car, which cost several thousand dollars more than traditional vehicles.
The congresswoman opposes an effort by some Senate Republicans to give drivers a $100 payment to offset the cost of gas, saying that’s not a long-term solution. She’s open to a federal windfall profits tax — something suggested by Gov. Ed Rendell — but thinks that’s a short-term answer.
The Democrat blamed congressional Republicans for not holding oil company executives accountable, saying her party would call hearings if it were in charge.
Businesses, she said, should encourage employees to work at home or carpool to the office. They should also offer alternative schedules so employees aren’t coming and going in rush hour traffic. And they should remind their employees to turn off computers, lights and equipment before leaving work.
In her case, she takes Amtrak to Washington, D.C. and often rides the regional rail line from her home in Jenkintown to 30th Street Station.
Schwartz said gas prices usually rise in the summer, when demand is greatest. That could cause some families to rethink their vacation plans at the Jersey shore and elsewhere.
At least something positive could come from even higher gas prices, she believes.
"If we see an increase at the pump in the summer months," she said, "that’s going to put more pressure on elected officials to do something." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com