State Issues Price Gouging Fines

The number of gas stations under investigation for price gouging is up to 200. The charges came in the wake of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike last fall. So far, nine stations across the state have been fined for inflating prices when gas was scarce in September and October. Some of the stations simply have to refund money to customers who can prove with a receipt they bought gas during the gouging. Others have to pay up to $5,000 in fines to the state. The state received about 2,000 complaints from residents, some alleging stations charged them as much as $9.99 a gallon.

(Associated Press)

State fights for gas help

As parts of Georgia still struggle with low supplies of gas, top lawmakers are asking the federal government for help. U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency in support of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue’s request for help. They want the government to temporarily extend relief from the federally enforceable sulfur gasoline requirements in the 45-county fuel control area. The requirements are for metro Atlanta and they are meant to reduce toxic emissions.

School systems scramble for gas money

As schools across the state start back in session, counties are trying to cut spending to pay for fuel for school buses. Some are considering delaying textbook purchases, canceling field trips or changing bus routes. The price of diesel fuel for buses is up about 60 percent more per gallon than this time last year. Atlanta Public Schools expects to spend an additional $500,000 this year for gas.

Delta hikes baggage fee

Delta Air Lines is doubling its charge for checking a second bag on a domestic flight. It’s part of a set of fee increases to help offset the high cost of fuel. The Atlanta-based carrier says first Class, BusinessElite and Medallion customers will still be able to check up to three bags at no charge.

Columbus may cut back trash collection

The City of Columbus has a plan to slash fuel costs by scaling back trash collection. A plan to reduce garbage pick-up from twice to once a week would save about $680,000 dollars. Residents pay a $14 dollar monthly fee for the service, which would stay the same. Officials say they'll implement the proposal in October, if it's voted in.

High gas prices hit Georgians especially hard

Georgians are hit third-hardest in the nation by high gas prices. That's because residents spend more than 7% of their income on fuel, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that averages out to $2,400 dollars per person last year. Mississippi topped the list, with people there spending more than 8% of their income on fuel.

Gas theft on the rise

Auto owners beware. Thefts are on the rise. And it’s not your car you need to be worried about, it’s your gas. Police are announcing an increase in gas tank tapping, in which criminals drill into or pierce gas tanks to siphon the pricey petroleum out. Trucks, SUVs and plastic gas tanks are the highest at risk because of easy access. It's not just cars that are being affected. Restaurants in California and Kansas are also reporting stolen cooking oil worth thousands of dollars.

High gas prices mean more break-downs

More people are running out of gas because high fuel price, and that's taxing the state Department of Transportation. Highway Emergency Response Operators – or HEROs -- are getting 20 calls per shift on average to help people who say they're out of gas. HEROs can give a stranded motorist up to a gallon of gas to help get them to the nearest gas station.

Fewer troopers driving on state roads

High gas prices are forcing the Georgia State Patrol to limit time spent driving. Troopers have been asked to cut back driving by 25%. They will conduct more discretionary patrols – like road checks, sobriety checkpoints, license check points.

Court says "NO" to gassing animals

In granting a request by animal rights activists to immediately stop using the gas chamber on pets, Judge Cynthia Wright blamed Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin, saying the commissioner used quote a wink and a nod approach to enforcing the 1990 law.

However, Commissioner Tommy Irvin was unapologetic, testifying that the job is too big for the state, and responsibility should rest with local communities.

Animal rights activists applauded the ruling.

Leanna Stormont is with PETA … People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

She says “today is a good job for Georgia animals.”

It’s not clear how many shelters still use gas chambers. However, the lawsuit was based on a complaint that a Tifton shelter that still uses gas to euthanize stray and unwanted pets.