Bill Overview
Title: Gas Price Gouging Prevention Act
Description: This bill prohibits any person from selling, during a proclaimed international crisis affecting the oil markets, gasoline at a price that (1) is unconscionably excessive, and (2) indicates that the seller is taking unfair advantage of the crisis to increase prices unreasonably. The President may issue a proclamation of such a crisis that specifies the geographic area covered and how long the proclamation applies. The bill provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and imposes enhanced civil penalties and criminal fines. It also authorizes state attorneys general to bring a civil action to enforce the prohibitions of this bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-10]
Target Audience
Population: People dependent on gasoline
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill targets the prevention of price gouging on gasoline during international crises affecting oil markets.
- High gas prices can impact all individuals who rely on gasoline for transportation, heating, or business operations.
- Price gouging typically affects a wide range of the population, including those in rural and urban areas.
- Gasoline is a common and essential good. Therefore, the bill could potentially affect anyone using gasoline, either directly or indirectly.
- According to world data, as of 2023, the global population is approximately 8 billion people.
Reasoning
- The Gas Price Gouging Prevention Act targets individuals heavily reliant on gasoline, who are most sensitive to price changes, notably during international oil crises.
- The provided budget indicates resource allocation for enforcement and penalties, suggesting the act may not cover all instances of gouging nationwide but targets significant cases primarily.
- We include a mix of individuals from various locations, economic statuses, and occupations to reflect diverse impacts due to various transportation needs and potential vulnerability to gas price changes.
Simulated Interviews
rideshare driver (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gas prices have sometimes made it hard to make ends meet.
- This policy would offer some stability in uncertain times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
farmer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 57 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about price spikes during oil crises impacting my operations.
- This policy seems necessary to prevent unfair cost increases.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
public transit commuter (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't drive regularly, so gas prices seldom impact me directly.
- The policy seems important for others but does not personally affect me much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
truck driver (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fuel costs directly affect my livelihood.
- Preventing unfair price increases is fundamental for my job security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
small business owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fuel cost hikes impact delivering costs and pricing.
- I support measures against exploitative practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
retired teacher (Seattle, WA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- On a fixed income, unexpected high gas bills are stressful.
- The policy might help control excessive price jumps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
bike courier (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I do not rely on a car often, but renting becomes hard during price hikes.
- The change might indirectly affect my cost of living, which is beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
mechanic (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- High gas prices drive down customer visits because travel becomes expensive.
- The policy may help keep business steady during crises.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
software engineer (Denver, CO)
Age: 31 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Overall, gas prices are a minor concern due to remote work arrangements.
- This policy may help during hikes, but personal impact is minimal.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
nurse (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Rising gas prices often cut into my budget heavily.
- I see this act as a positive step for financial predictability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 2: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 3: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 5: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 10: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 100: $75000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Key Considerations
- The scale of enforcement will depend on the length and geographical scope of the crisis as declared by the President.
- Effectiveness of the policy may vary significantly depending on international market conditions and geopolitical factors.
- Potential resistance from the petroleum industry and legal challenges could arise, affecting the implementation and enforcement of the policy.