Stephens: New Task Force to Lower Gas Prices for Illinois Citizens

August 31, 2005

Springfield, IL…Stressing the negative impact of skyrocketing gas prices on families and businesses, State Representative Ron Stephens (R-Greenville) and a group of his House Republican colleagues today announced the formation of a task force to investigate options for easing the burden. 

“The soaring gas prices are draining the pocketbooks of Illinois citizens,” said Stephens. “Though the price of gasoline is generally controlled internationally and federally, we can take action at the state level to lighten the load on families and those on fixed incomes such as seniors and the disabled.”

The task force will be holding hearings beginning Thursday, September 8, 2005 in Danville. Other locations tentatively include: Chicago, Effingham, Quincy, Rockford and Springfield.  

The purpose behind the hearings is to discuss options for easing the devastating impact of higher gas prices. The task force expects to discuss among other things state motor fuel and sales tax revenues and the possibility of calling for a moratorium; boosting alternative fuels such as Illinois grown ethanol and bio-diesel fuel; and rolling back harmful fees on Illinois’ beleaguered trucking industry. The task force will also discuss the need for additional refineries in Illinois and examine the multiple, regional formulations for gasoline that hampers supply sharing from region to region.

“These hearings will allow local community leaders, business owners, and consumers to voice their opinion on the spiking gas prices and provide members of the task force with ideas for legislation to end the gas crisis we are currently experiencing in Illinois,” said Stephens. “We must work to develop measures that will effectively lower gasoline prices for our businesses, schools, and families.”