Gas That Costs 60¢ Less Per Gallon? Norcross Explains How Its Possible

CHERRY HILL, NJ — U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross has introduced legislation he said that if fully passed, would lower the cost of a gallon of gas by more than 60 cents.

The bill comes as New Jersey prices for a gallon of gas averages about $4.08, which is $1.20 higher than the price was 1 year ago, according to AAA. Nationwide, a gallon of gas costs an average of $4.12 a gallon, which is $1.25 more than 1 year ago, AAA said.

"We just passed the largest investment in New Jersey roads and highways in generations — but nice roads don’t mean much if you can’t afford to drive on them," Norcross, who represents New Jersey's first district, said at a press conference Thursday.

The Government Oversight of Unpatriotic Greed in Energy Act, or GOUGE Act, would temporarily
suspend the 18 cents a gallon federal gas tax, he said.

The GOUGE Act would also offer "incentives for states to simultaneously suspend their gas taxes by backfilling state highway and transportation trust funds with federal resources," according to Norcross.

In addition, the act would also place large fines on oil and gas companies who commit price gouging as well as create and implement a windfall profits tax to "discourage corporate greed during times of global upheaval and market speculation," Norcross said.

These three components of the plan would take another 42 cents, if not more, off the price of a gallon of gas, he added.

“Oil and gas companies are making record profits and working people are paying for it,” Norcross said. “This legislation will lower costs at the pump and deter the sort of corporate greed we’re currently experiencing while protecting vital state infrastructure trust funds."

---

Hi there, South Jersey! Got a news tip? Story idea? Email me the details at janel.miller@patch.com. You can also get Patch local and statewide news alerts sent directly to your phone by downloading our new app.