Governor comments on the gas price crisis

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By KOMO Staff

Summary

For many people, the pain at the pump has become a big problem. So KOMO 4's Problem Solvers asked Gov. Gregoire for some answers. And the governor said she's just as frustrated.

Story Published: Apr 27, 2007 at 6:01 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jan 13, 2010 at 4:19 PM PDT

Governor comments on the gas price crisis
The average price of gas in Washington was $3.14 on Monday, and now it's up to $3.20. In the Seattle area, it's even higher at $3.24.

Gas prices in Washington state are now the second highest in the country. Overnight, viewers sent e-mails to KOMO 4, saying some stations around them hiked up prices as much as 16 cents.

For many people, the pain at the pump has become a big problem. So KOMO 4's Problem Solvers asked Gov. Gregoire for some answers. And the governor said she's just as frustrated.

"I'm ticked off. I've asked twice now for the Department of Justice and the United States attorney general to investigate every year, at about this time. When people decide their children are going to get out of school and they may take a little vacation, suddenly gas prices coincidentally go up. I just don't buy that," the governor said.

Gov. Gregoire did launch an investigation into the rising gas prices this week. State Attorney General Rob McKenna is now looking into price manipulation.

The state of Washington charges a 35-cent tax per gallon of gas, which is one of the highest rates in the country. When asked about a possible temporary tax break for drivers to help absorb the skyrocketing prices, the governor said that's not an option.

"I can't. I can't consider a tax break. All that money has been decided to go to community projects throughout the state. There is nothing to save, they've all been pledged," she said.

Some analysts cite supply and demand as a major source of the problem. Analysts say there simply isn't enough supply to fuel drivers, who are using more gas this year. When asked whether she'd be willing to visit local refineries and ask them to produce more crude oil, the governor said she's not sure the supply is a part of the problem and therefore not prepared to do so.