FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2022

MCV: ‘Another red flag to Montanans that Congressman Rosendale’s time in Congress must come to an end’

U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale votes against protecting Montana consumers from high gas prices

(BOZEMAN, Mont.) – Montana Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale’s no vote on the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act, which ultimately passed today:

“Once again, we’re baffled by Congressman Rosendale’s vote not to do right by Montana families struggling with high gas prices and instead reward Big Oil as they rake in billions in profits. Congressman Rosendale has chosen to side with Big Oil CEOs and lobbyists over Montanans – yet another red flag to Montanans that Congressman Rosendale’s time in Congress must come to an end.”

The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 7688) cracks down on oil and gas companies that are price gouging consumers, empowering the President to issue an Emergency Declaration to make unconscionably excessive and exploitative prices for gasoline and home heating fuels unlawful. The bill gives the Federal Trade Commission power to issue penalties on companies that are price gouging, with enforcement priority placed on large oil companies with total sales in excess of $500 million per year. The bill further protects low-income families by allocating the fines collected to a Consumer Relief Trust Fund, which can be used to fund the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with a vote of 217-207.