Kerry to Unveil Plan to Reduce Gas Prices

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, March 30, 2004; Page A04


SACRAMENTO, March 29 -- With gasoline prices hitting new highs across the country, Sen. John F. Kerry plans to propose new policies on Tuesday for reducing auto fuel costs in a move certain to escalate the election-year political fight over prices at the pump.

Facing GOP attacks for advocating higher gas taxes as a senator, the Massachusetts Democrat will call on President Bush to apply greater pressure on oil-producing nations to increase production, in a bid to drive down crude oil prices, and to temporarily suspend filling U.S. oil reserves, said Stephanie Cutter, a Kerry spokeswoman.

Kerry will argue that diverting oil intended for U.S. reserves directly to the market will help depress gas prices, though analysts say that probably would have a negligible effect. Kerry also intends to reiterate his longer-term plans for decreasing the country's dependence on foreign oil and increasing its reliance on cleaner-burning alternative forms of energy.

As summer approaches, soaring gasoline costs are emerging as a top pocketbook concern of consumers and businesses with steep transportation costs, with prices at the pump topping $2 a gallon on the West Coast and averaging a record-high $1.80 nationwide.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34436-2004Mar29.html

[jobycom]

1. I SO love my Prius! nt