With sporadic trucker protests continuing across the country, legislators appear to be listening. The Vermont state senate directed the Attorney General to conduct "an aggressive" criminal investigation of major oil companies, charging possible price-fixing and consumer fraud.
"At the same time that we are paying $3 and $4 a gallon for gas and oil, the oil companies are making record profits, billions and billions of dollars," Senator Peter Shumlin told the Associated Press. "It's puzzling to us that so few politicians both on a state and national level are saying enough is enough."
In Washington, Arkansas Representatives called for Congressional hearings on the economic impact of high fuel prices. "It is imperative that Congress examine the impacts that these rapidly escalating prices are having on businesses, interstate commerce, the flow of goods throughout this country, and on our economy in general," the Representatives said in a joint letter.
Trucker protests continued today. Horns blasting, more than 60 big rigs convoyed down I-79, descending on the West Virginia state capitol in protest of high diesel prices. A dozen truckers gathered at the South Carolina statehouse in solidarity. Six truckers attempting to slow traffic on I-77 attracted a police escort to keep them from blocking traffic. In lots along highways big rigs sat idle sporting signs, "Parked in protest of high fuel prices."
"This is a grass-roots groundswell that's really taking off -- from Atlanta to Macon to Dublin to Savannah," said Jesse Hendley at a rally sponsored by the Intermodal Owner Driver Association. "If we stick to the game plan, this will make a difference."
