“A combination of factors have pushed gas prices to unacceptable levels. Although prices have slipped downward in recent days, we cannot allow prices to remain this high. This Task Force is already developing immediate solutions that could increase the supply of oil and bring relief at the pump. We will also be looking at issues of price gouging, supply and regulatory barriers to ensure that the laws are being followed and profiteering is not occurring. It is critical that we bring relief to consumers and allow the American people to save more of their money.”
Rep. Vito Fossella, September 16, 2005 [link] Rep. Vito Fossella has taken $74,200 from the Oil and Gas sector for his re-election campaigns.
"Unless production increases significantly, there could be a problem this summer," Fossella said. "If you thought we had difficulties with home heating oil and gas prices this winter, just wait. A surge in electricity rates and power outages may be just around the corner because the Administration lacks a clear and comprehensive energy policy. Today we are sending a wake-up call to the Energy Department and others that Americans could be hit with escalating electricity rates this summer. Its failure to act following OPEC's production cutbacks last year and its subsequent decision to ignore our warnings of price surges for home heating oil and gas have mired us in this current predicament." - Rep. Vito Fossella, March 23, 2000 [link]

These comments are part of a March 23, 2000 press release criticizing the Clinton Administration. Rep. Fossella pointed out in a February 3, 2000 press release that crude oil was about to top $30 per barrel. Rep. Fossella has yet to make any public statements or criticism of the Bush Administration despite crude oil topping $100 per barrel recently.

In December 2007 Rep. Fossella voted against Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act, HR 6

In 2007 Rep. Fossella voted against Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act, HR 1252 despite voting in favor of a nearly identical bill in 2006, the Federal Energy Price Protection Act of 2006, HR 5253. On May 23, 2007 the day Congress approved HR 1252, Rep. Vito Fossella submitted his own bill HR 2460 entitled the Federal Energy Price Protection Act. Most notably the major differences of the two bills are that Rep. Fossella eases many of the penalities for those found gouging gas prices;

HR 1252; the bill that Congress passed passed (Fossella voted against)
HR 2460; the bill Fossella wrote

HR 1252; $3 million maximum civil penalty
HR 2460; $5 million maximum civil penalty
(Note this is the only occasion where Fossella lays out a stronger penalty)

HR 1252; Each day of a violation should be considered a separate violation
HR 2460; Each determination of a violation should be considered a separate violation

HR 1252; $1 million civil penalty for falsification of information
HR 2460; nothing

HR 1252; $150 million maximum criminal penalty
HR 2460; $1 million maximum criminal penalty

HR 1252; $2 million maximum individual criminal penalty
HR 2460; $1 million maximum criminal penalty

HR 1252; 10 years imprisonment for individual criminal convictions
HR 2460; 2 years imprisonment for individual criminal convictions