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Sen. Fogarty submits bill seeking fuel economy ratings in ads

Sen. Paul W. Fogarty (D-Glocester, Burrillville and North Smithfield) has submitted legislation that would require auto dealers in Rhode Island to include the city and highway fuel economy ratings of new automobiles both on window stickers and in ads.

“Fuel economy is an important piece of information for the consumer. It’s just as important as the price the dealer is charging for the car, since it is going to determine how much the consumer is paying for gas for as long as he or she drives that car,” Fogarty said in a news statement.

“Fuel economy is basic information that the dealers have, and that consumers need when they’re making a decision. It should be plainly displayed on each car.”

Under the bill, dealers selling new motor vehicles would be required to disclose the city and highway fuel economy rating in all print and broadcast advertisements for the vehicle as well as on the window sticker.

“This is a consumer-protection bill,” he said. “People need to be aware of he efficiency of the car they’re considering buying. Over the years, they’ll pay thousands more if the car they buy doesn’t get the kind of mileage they were expecting.”

The bill has a hearing before the Senate Corporations Committee today at around 4:30 p.m. in Room 212 of the State House.

It is cosponsored by Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr. (D-Smithfield, North Smithfield), Sen. Daniel P. Connors (D-Cumberland, Lincoln), Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Cranston) and Sen. Kevin A. Breene (R-West Greenwich, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond).

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 10:19 AM to Fuel economy | Permalink | Comments 0

Oil and gasoline prices set new records

NEW YORK -- The cost of filling up your gas tank has hit a new record. Average prices at the pump are at a new high of almost $3.23 a gallon, according to the Associated Press.

According to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service, the average national price of a gallon of gas rose half a cent overnight to $3.2272. That is slightly higher than the previous record of $3.2265 a gallon, set last May.

Gas prices are following crude oil futures into record territory. Oil prices are surging as the falling dollar attracts investors who see crude futures as a hedge against inflation and the weak dollar.

Light, sweet crude for April delivery briefly climbed to a new record price of $109.72 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange Tuesday morning.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:56 AM to Crude oil market , Gas prices | Permalink | Comments 1