Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,I,C- Greenwood Lake) has signed on to legislation that would limit the number of times retailers can increase the price of motor fuels in one day. Under current law, there is no limit to how often, during a 24-hour period, retailers can raise the cost of motor fuels.
“In our region, we see the price of gas rise at various times during the day, making it very difficult for consumers to know where they can purchase the most affordable motor fuel. As the price of gasoline continues to escalate, it is important to help protect motorists by enacting this legislation,” said the assemblywoman.
Assembly Bill A.1970 would prohibit retailers from changing the price per gallon of motor fuels, which were purchased by the retailer in the same lot, multiple times in one 24-hour period. The legislation aims to protect motorists from price gouging, as gasoline lots are purchased by retailers at a fixed wholesale price.
The legislation does leave room for retailers to change the price on motor fuels purchased from different lots, thereby giving retailers a fair ability to market gasoline and diesel fuels.
Assemblywoman Rabbitt said, “While some of my colleagues have advocated for temporarily capping sales taxes on motor fuels for a weekend here and there, this is only another Band-aid solution. A.1970 helps protect motorists both now and in the long run while we continue to call upon our federal officials to take action to permanently reduce the cost of motor fuels.”
A.1970 is currently awaiting consideration on the Assembly floor. With just a handful of regularly scheduled legislative session days remaining, Assemblywoman Rabbitt encourages residents to contact Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who controls which bills come up for a vote, to ask him to immediately bring this legislation to a vote. To contact Speaker Silver, residents can e-mail silvers@assembly.state.ny.us or write to his legislative office at the Honorable Sheldon Silver, Legislative Office Building, Room 932, Albany, New York 12248.