Begich Alarmed by Continued Climb in Alaska's Fuel Prices

Alaska first state to pass $4 gallon average gas price

From a Mark Begich press release: With national reports showing Alaska to be the first state with an average price for regular gasoline averaging $4 per gallon, Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich today expressed alarm about the continued pressure rising prices are putting on Alaska's families.

An American Automobile Association (AAA) survey released yesterday gave Alaska the unwanted distinction of hitting the $4 per gallon average along with the national average of U.S. retail gas prices 21 percent higher than a year ago at about $3.77 per gallon.

"Alaska's drivers are feeling the pinch of high fuel prices more than any drivers in any other state," Begich said. "The lack of leadership in Washington , D.C. on energy issues has brought us to a summer of pain at the pump."

As mayor, Begich has worked through the Tri-Borough Commission with other mayors to develop a Southcentral Alaska energy plan which proposes a combination of new development, conservation and renewable energy.

Begich is also concerned about statistics shown in a report released this week by the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The report, Fuel Costs, Migration, and Community Viability, shows rising fuel prices are having a major impact in rural Alaska.

"When looking at the combined impact of heat, electricity and transportation, the ISER report tells us Alaska's families are facing an additional economic burden of several thousand dollars per household in rural areas of our state," Begich said. "This is unacceptable, and is the unfortunate result of those in office today not taking the issue of energy seriously."

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