BIRCH RUN -- Senator Debbie Stabenow is blaming market manipulation by the oil companies for the cause of high gas prices.
Friday, the Democrat held a press conference at the Conlee Oil Mobil Gas Station in Birch Run, discussing the pain at the pump.
She states that the United States has 60 million acres of public lands that are leased to oil companies for the purpose of drilling, but that the companies are not using those lands.
The senator also states that oil companies are making the largest corporate profits in history, yet taxpayers are continuously forced to dish out more money by giving massive subsidies. That’s why the Senate plans to vote next week on a plan to end taxpayer giveaways.
NBC25 asked the Senator what causes the swing in gas prices. She states, “I wish I could explain why the gas prices go up and down. They have no connection, I think, to the real world and what's happening. I think the oil companies say ‘whatever the market will bear.’ We have no choice; we have to pay whatever they put at the pump.”
She says the high gas prices are hurting Michigan residents, who are already struggling under the weight of a harsh economic climate. “I think these gas prices are really harmful to the economy because it effects how much money people have in their pocket to be able to take care of their families, to be able to pay their bills, and to be able to buy things.”
Stabenow is suggesting that Michigan residents boycott the oil companies by purchasing fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles.
We want to hear your thoughts on the gas prices. Should oil companies drill more in the United States? Would you buy a hybrid because of the high gas prices? Leave us your comments below.
