Gas Prices

Gas & Energy Resources

Information on gas prices and renewable energy.

How Can I Save Money?

Tips to saving at the pump from the EPA, FTC and more.

Congressional Action

What is Congress doing to address the energy crisis?

Dear Friends,

According to the American Automobile Association, the average price of regular gas in Arizona is now around $3.50 per gallon. That’s up one dollar from this time a year ago. Gas price hikes are having a terrible impact on family budgets, small businesses and those living on fixed incomes all across Southern Arizona and the nation. 

I want this webpage to be a resource for you to know about what Congress is doing to address this issue and share tips about how you can save money at the pump. 

I know that many people in our community are hurting because of these price increases and it is clear that we must act now to provide relief. 

That's why, with my enthusiastic support, the House of Representatives passed the landmark Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 6899) on September 15, 2008 by a vote of 236-189. This bill goes beyond simple, careless rhetoric to offer Americans a realistic approach to the energy crisis confronting our country.

Click here for a detailed summary of the bill. 

Earlier in the day I addressed my colleagues in the House about the urgency of securing American energy independence through a comprehensive strategy, ending our nation's dependence on foreign oil, increasing national security and advancing the use of clean, renewable sources of energy like solar.

I am particularly pleased that the bill contains an extension of the Solar ITC. Solar power represents one of our nation's best hopes for a clean, secure and sustainable energy future. I have called on my Arizona colleagues in the Senate to support this vital extension that has the potential to provide powerful economic benefits to Southern Arizona as well as the rest of the country.

H.R. 6899 responds to our nation's energy crisis by:

• Extending Solar Power Development: extends the solar energy investment tax credit (ITC) for another 8 years, creating an estimated 440,000 jobs and attracting $232 billion in investment to clean, renewable solar power through 2016.
• Allowing Responsible Offshore Drilling: opens 319 million acres off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts for leasing, puts another 85 million acres in the hands of states to decide for themselves, and keeps the most environmentally sensitive areas closest to American coastlines closed to drilling.
• Expanding Promising Alternative Energy Solutions: extends the production tax credit (PTC) for an additional 3 years, providing powerful incentives for investment in biomass, geothermal, hydropower, landfill gas and solid waste, as well as a 1-year extension for energy from wind power.
• Increasing Energy Efficiency and Conservation Standards: calls on the Department of Energy and states to update energy codes for new buildings, increasing residential and commercial buildings standards to realize a 30 percent improvement in minimum building standards by 2010, and 50 percent by 2020. This could save consumers an estimated $210 billion through 2030.

In addition, this compromise energy bill is fiscally responsible. As a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, I am part of a group of lawmakers that has held the line on having an energy package that is paid for and does not add to our growing national debt. H.R. 6899 accomplishes this by cutting tax subsidies to the oil and gas companies making record profits. These companies do not need the support of the American taxpayer.

The House has now sent a smart, balanced and fiscally responsible energy package to the Senate. They should not drop the ball. The need for energy independence is too serious for games and stall tactics.

Sincerely Yours,

Gabrielle Giffords

Member of Congress