Kerry to offer plan to reduce record gasoline prices

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N29448940.htm

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 29 (Reuters) - With U.S. retail gasoline prices at a record high, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry on Tuesday will propose a new plan to reduce fuel costs, sparking a political fight over prices at the pump.

Blaming the "failed policies" of President George W. Bush -- a former Texas oilman -- for the spike, Kerry would pressure oil-producing nations to increase production and temporarily suspend filling the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, according to campaign documents.

Energy costs are hitting consumers and business owners just as the peak summer driving season approaches.

"Americans are paying 12 percent more for gas since former oil industry executives Bush and (Vice President Dick) Cheney took office on the pledge that their ties to the oil industry would lead to lower gas prices," said the Kerry campaign.

more

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N29447758.htm

Kerry would press OPEC, boost renewable energy

WASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters) - Retail gasoline prices have risen by more than 11 percent to a record high under President George W. Bush and must be reined in by pressuring OPEC to produce more crude oil, aides to Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry said on Monday.

Kerry, who has long supported Senate legislation that would impose stricter mileage standards for gas-guzzling vehicles, plans to lay out on Tuesday several energy policies he would adopt if elected president.

According to campaign documents obtained by Reuters, the Massachusetts Democrat's proposals include:

* Pressure OPEC to abandon its plan to cut crude oil production by 1 million barrels per day in April and instead increase its output. The cartel meets on Wednesday to discuss whether to proceed with its planned reduction.

more

[RobertSeattle]

1. My country invades an Oil Rich Country and gas prices go up?

Mimicing Jon Stewart doing that wipe-eyes shtick he does.

:Evilgrin:

[maxsolomon]

2. this is the most important issue america faces.

not price, supply & dependency. the price is manipulated here & abroad. opec has us by the short & curlies & will until we kick the habit.

the ultimate way to fight islamic terror is to stop mainlining their crude.

[methinks2]

3. to increase production

we should just open up the perfectly good gulf of mexico wells and re-hire the laid off oil workers. It's got nothing to do with the middle east or any wars. It's all about greed.

[camero]

4. A good idea would be

to break up the gas company monopolies. The mergers of the last 10 years have had just as much of an affect on the price of gas as the cost of oil. The price of oil has swung around for quite some time but the price of gas has kept going up and the oil companies make huge profits.