House Speaker Shap Smith today announced tri-partisan support for public hearings to investigate the cost of gasoline in Northwestern Vermont, which can be up to 30 or 40 cents higher than prices found in other parts of the state. The hearings will be held on Thursday, January 22 from 5–7 pm in Room 11 of the State House. According to vermontgasprices.com, the average price of gasoline in Vermont today is $2.48 per gallon. The lowest prices were $2.15 in Troy, Barton and Jay in the Northeast Kingdom; $2.17 in Brattleboro; and $2.19 in White River Junction. The highest recorded in Chittenden County is $2.69.
“Folks who live or travel around Northwestern Vermont ask why filling up at the pump is so expensive,” explained Speaker Smith. “Although fuel prices have dropped nationally and across Vermont, the cost reduction has not kept pace in our Northwest communities. I have instructed the House Transportation and Commerce Committees to hold a public hearing to investigate this matter and report back with recommendations for next steps.”
The Chair of House Transportation, Rep. Pat Brennan, and the Chair of House Commerce, Rep. Bill Botzow, held hearings in 2013 to investigate why consumers in Northwest Vermont paid significantly more for gasoline than consumers in other parts of the state. While fuel prices have declined nationally since the 2013 hearings, regional cost disparities still exist throughout Vermont.
“Gas prices in Northwestern Vermont are out of balance,” noted Rep. Pat Brennan of Colchester. “Price per gallon can vary anywhere from 20 to 40 cents. Our constituents’ concerns have compelled us to take another look at this important issue.”
Rep. Botzow noted the price difference he sees during weekly commutes from Bennington County to more northern counties. “Competition is key,” Botzow acknowledged. “We want to make sure that Vermonters are treated fairly and the economic engines of Vermont are running smoothly."
Rep. Chris Pearson also lent his support to the hearings: “Those of us in Northwestern Vermont consistently pay more at the pump, and I look forward to working with legislative leaders and the Attorney General to see if we can figure out how to end what seems to me like price manipulation,” he concluded.
The gas hearings will be held at 5:00pm on Thursday, January 22 in Room 11 of the State House. Details can be obtained by contacting Shirley Adams at [email protected].