Thursday, June 1, 2006
Dear Friends,
Rising gas prices affect nearly all Arizonans. For far too long, consumers have experienced drastic spikes in gas prices while oil companies rake in record profits.
Although the state has virtually no say over the price of gasoline, I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect Arizona drivers. In August 2005, I directed the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures to aggressively monitor the supplies of gasoline as well as the accuracy of the fuel pumps throughout Arizona to ensure that consumers are receiving the correct quantity and quality of gasoline they are paying for. That effort is ongoing. My office is also working with the private sector to expand refinery capacity for traditional and nontraditional fuels. In 2005, the state of Arizona has approved the first air quality permit in over three decades for the construction and operation of an oil refinery in the United States. By increasing the supply of nontraditional fuels and of oil refined locally, we reduce our dependency on foreign fuels, while creating new jobs and cleaner fuels here in the United States.
Further, I continue to urge the federal government to enact a clear energy policy with the dual goal of reducing the burden on consumers and conserving our limited supply of oil.
And, over the past few weeks, my office has also provided an opportunity for citizens to join my efforts by signing a petition asking President Bush to pursue a comprehensive, forward-thinking energy policy that achieves these aims. We are sending this petition to the President with the names of more than 35,000 Arizonans who have added their support.
Finally, I am pulling together the state's resources to provide you with as much information as possible regarding gasoline prices, gas supplies, conservation and fuel efficiency. Over the course of the next 14 weeks, I will send you Weekly Fuel Facts: Information to Help Arizonans Save at the Pump, by email. The goal of this cooperative effort - involving the state departments of Weights and Measures, Commerce, Public Safety, Highway Safety, Environmental Quality and others - is to help you effectively use every gallon of gasoline you purchase, help you understand why gas prices are as high as they are, and give you some alternative ways to save on fuel. I also encourage you to visit my Web page devoted to providing gasoline information at www.azgovernor.gov/fuelfacts . This site will include my Weekly Fuel Facts along with links to other helpful sites for gasoline information. Please check the site often throughout the summer as we add fuel saving tips.
Rising fuel prices are putting a squeeze on the budgets of hundreds of thousands of Arizona families. I am committed to doing whatever is necessary within my power to ensure that Arizona has a quality, sustainable, and affordable supply of fuel for our vehicles.
While the Department of Weights and Measures conducts random inspections of fueling stations, we rely on consumers to serve as our eyes and ears. If you think a pump served you less gasoline than you purchased, please contact Weights and Measures by calling (602) 255-5211 or filing a complaint online at http://www.weights.az.gov/complaints.htm . Every complaint is investigated.
As always, I appreciate your input, and encourage you to call my office at 602.542.1318 if you have questions or thoughts to share. Or, please visit our website at http://www.azgovernor.gov for information and news in state government.
Yours very truly,
Janet Napolitano
Governor |
