Price Gouging Legislation

The American Council for Capital Formation and its economic research and education affiliate, the ACCF Center for Policy Research, undertake studies and sponsor analyses by highly regarded public policy experts.

Please explore our studies below on price-gouging regulation.

An ACCF Economic Perspective on Gasoline Pricing and the Domestic Fuel Market

The American Council for Capital Formation has developed an economic overview highlighting the variables affecting gasoline prices and the U.S. fuel market. This assessment uses government data to explore and explain historic and current supply and demand variables impacting prices and refining capacity. In view of legislation currently being considered by Congress, the information presents a timely foundation of research which policymakers should consider as they work to address many of the fundamental energy challenges we face as a nation in a globally competitive marketplace.

To see the economic overview, click here.

To see a summary of the key points, click here.

ACCF: Price-gouging Legislation Could Be Costly
Oil and Gas Journal
June 13, 2007

ACCF Speaks Out on “Price Gouging” Legislation
ACCF Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Margo Thorning was interviewed about the consequences of imposing price controls on “The Ron Smith Show” on WBAL radio on May 23, 2007. “History and economics teaches us price caps ultimately result in harsh unintended consequences, including shortages in the market and unnecessary economic hardship for consumers,” Dr. Thorning told listeners.

Caprice at the Pump
The Washington Times, May 23, 2007
By Margo Thorning

Forget Price Gouging: Gas Prices Flow with Market
This op-ed by former Ways and Means Committee Chairman Archer and former Congressman Stenholm highlighting an ACCF study’s findings ran in The Houston Chronicle on May 20, 2007. Both serve as members of the ACCF’s Board of Directors.

Gasbags
This op-ed by former Ways and Means Committee Chairman Archer and former Congressman Stenholm highlighting the importance of the ACCF study’s findings ran in The Wall Street Journal on April 19, 2007. Both serve as members of the ACCF’s Board of Directors.

Potential Effects of Proposed Price Gouging Legislation
on the Cost and Severity of Supply Interruptions
CRAI Report, April 10, 2007