newsminer.com

A legislative committee tasked to look into high gas prices can't place a finger on any one reason Alaskans pay so much more at the pump. House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Jay Ramras released a draft report today. Based on four public hearings and other information, the report cautions that any legislative action to force gas prices into parity with prices in the Lower 48 could drive refiners out of Alaska. Rep. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks, is among five sponsors of a bill that would make it illegal for refineries to sell gas, home heating fuel and diesel at prices more than 10 percent higher than the Washington State average. A parallel proposal, Senate Bill 54, is sponsored by Sens. Bill Wielechowski, Johnny Ellis and Hollis French, all Anchorage Democrats. If refiners shut up shop, Alaska loses its jet fuel production, which could place other economic cornerstones could be at serious risk, the report finds. Those include the Fairbanks and Anchorage airports due to a lack of jet fuel produced instate, the Alaska Railroad, which ships jet fuel and more, and Fort Wainwright and Eielson and Elmednorf air force bases, which draw on jet fuel manufactured instate. Ed Sniffen, a lawyer with the Consumer Protection Unit of the state Attorney General's Office, is conducting an investigation into whether anti-trust violations and price gouging are occurring. His findings are expected soon, according to rep. Lindsey Holmes, D-Anchorage, a member of the House Judiciary Committee.