Biden Implored to Address High Gas Prices in Western States

Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego urges President Biden to take action on gas prices specifically for Western states, as he did for states in the Northeast.

President Biden is facing pressure from Arizona Democrat Rep. Ruben Gallego over soaring gas prices, particularly in Western states. In a letter sent on Wednesday, Gallego, the likely Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, requested that Biden prioritize relief measures for Western states.

"Arizona families and business owners should not have to pay almost a dollar more than people in other states to get to work and move through their communities," Gallego wrote. He pointed out that Biden had implemented relief measures for states in the Northeast last month and urged the administration to take similar actions in the West.

The request comes amid growing concerns over the disparity in gas prices across the country. Western states have consistently experienced higher prices than other regions, putting a strain on households and businesses.

Gallego's letter highlights the particular challenges faced by Arizona residents, who are facing gas prices that are nearly a dollar higher per gallon than in neighboring states. The congressman argued that this disparity is unfair and places an undue burden on Arizona's economy.

The White House has yet to respond to Gallego's request. However, Biden has previously acknowledged the issue of high gas prices and has taken steps to address it, such as releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

If the Biden administration does not take action, Gallego has indicated that he is prepared to introduce legislation to provide relief for Western states. He has also called on other Democratic lawmakers to join him in advocating for lower gas prices.

The issue of high gas prices is likely to remain a key political issue in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Biden's handling of the situation will be closely scrutinized by both Democrats and Republicans.

In addition to the economic impact, high gas prices also have political implications. Rising costs can lead to voter dissatisfaction and potentially hurt the party in power. The Democrats will need to find ways to mitigate the impact of high gas prices if they want to retain control of Congress and the White House in 2024.

The Biden administration has a number of options at its disposal to address high gas prices. These include increasing domestic oil production, releasing more oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and working with international partners to lower global oil prices.

It remains to be seen what actions the Biden administration will take to address high gas prices. However, the issue is likely to continue to be a major political challenge for the president and his party.