The measures would place a ceiling on the price as it leaves the state's two gasoline-producing refineries. If either passes, Alaska would become the only state to regulate gasoline prices.
Rep. Kurt Olson, R-Kenai and chairman of the House Labor and Commerce Committee, said he has spoken with a regulatory specialist in the state Department of Law and thinks the so-called price-gouging bills need work. Last year, the department investigated allegations of price gouging by refineries but concluded that no illegal collusion or price fixing was taking place.
Rep. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks, one of the bills' sponsors, said he's working on some changes that could ease the proposed gasoline price cap for refiners. But he says he remains committed to the broad plan, noting that the price gaps between Seattle and Alaska remain wide as do those among urban areas within Alaska. "I would be willing to make any changes necessary to the structure of the bill as long as it does what it should do: protect consumers from price gouging at the pump," Kawasaki said.
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