For Release: Friday, February 2, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO ASKS BUSH FOR INVESTIGATION OF NATURAL GAS PRICES, TOUTS ILLINOIS ENERGY RESOURCES

Washington-- U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today sent a letter to President Bush requesting an investigation into possible price gouging by the energy industry. Costello made the request on behalf of his constituents who are experiencing the doubling and tripling of their gas bills this winter. Costello also asked that Bush consider Illinois coal, petroleum, and ethanol as he works with Congress to develop a national energy policy.

The text of the letter follows:

February 2, 2001

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Bush:

I am writing concerning the high price of natural gas and other energy-related concerns. I appreciate the attention that you have given to these issues during the first days of your administration, particularly the creation of the task force headed by Vice President Cheney to develop a national energy policy, and I stand ready to assist this effort.

The State of Illinois is rich in energy resources that deserve increased attention, including coal, petroleum, and corn for the production of ethanol. You have stressed the need to improve domestic energy production, and I hope this will include the use of alternative fuels. I have spent a great deal of time on the development of clean coal technologies that would allow for the clean burning of Illinois coal. This would not only decrease our reliance on foreign oil, but rejuvenate an industry and supply thousands of jobs. Similarly, incentives to keep the stripper wells prevalent in Illinois open during periods of low prices are necessary, for as you know, once these wells are capped it is virtually impossible to recover their production capacity. Finally, ethanol is a clean burning fuel additive that greatly benefits the farm economy of the Midwest. Attention to all of these resources should be a part of our national energy policy.

Currently, people across the country, including my constituents, are shocked and outraged at the tremendous rise in their gas bills this winter. In southwestern and southern Illinois, bills have doubled and even tripled, leaving many families in a desperate financial situation. While a good deal of this fluctuation is explained by the law of supply and demand and the harsh winter, I feel it is important as a matter of good faith with the American people that the appropriate federal agencies investigate whether either wholesale energy producers or utilities are involved in price gouging. Such an inquiry Congressman Jerry Costello Page Two was initiated last summer into gasoline prices, and I respectfully request that you expedite a similar investigation into the price of natural gas. Thank you for your attention to these matters. If I can be of assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,


Jerry F. Costello
Member of Congress

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