Brindisi Sponsoring Legislation To Curb High Gas Prices

Gas prices may be dropping, but they aren't low enough for one local lawmaker.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi is sponsoring legislation to end unfair gas pricing in the Mohawk Valley.

"I think it's important that we talk about this legislation now because the more money people have to put into their gas tank, the less they're going to be able to put into goods and services," Brindisi said. "Business as a whole is going to suffer in our region."

A few weeks ago, Brindisi wrote a letter to State Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, to investigate possible pricing issues in the area. Schneiderman responded and said zone pricing may play a role, but other artificial forces may also take place.

The new legislation Brindisi is proposing will make it easier to determine if someone is unfairly manipulating the market.

"What this bill will do is it will set some stricter standards as to what a retailer can use when setting the gas prices," Brindisi said. "So, if there are manipulations taking place, it will be easier for the Attorney General to prosecute these cases."

Mohawk Valley residents pay the third highest average price for gas in the state, behind New York City and Long Island.

The State has also established a hotline for people to call to report sudden gas price increases at (800) 214-4372 or online here.