Gas Prices & Energy

Chicago Area Gas Prices: Highest in the Nation

"Too much of the price of gas is taxes. Instead of raising taxes, Washington needs to start cutting the waste and mismanagement.” ~ Congressman Peter Roskam

Chicago area gas prices are already the highest in the nation. In May 2009, the Chicago area had the nation's highest gas prices, at one averaging $2.57 per gallon. Now Congress is trying to pass a new law called ‘Cap and Trade,’ which is really just another new energy tax. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the new tax could cost you between 61 cents and $1.60 for every gallon of gas you buy. Economists think this could cost the average family $3,100 a year. I’m working hard to defeat this new tax.

The Roskam Plan — American Innovation to Lower Your Energy Costs

Invest in new energy sources:
Natural gas can more cleanly fuel our cars, and Peter worked with a bipartisan group to introduce the first tax credit for renewable bio-gas.

Boost domestic production:
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified before Congress that a 1% increase in production could yield a 10% decline in prices.

Support innovation for independence from foreign oil:
Award a $177.6M prize for a new generation of cars that can go 750 miles between refueling and maintain size and performance characteristics while remaining within 110% of the cost of current comparable models.