Buffalo Council seeks state probe of high gasoline prices in area
The Buffalo Common Council is asking for a state investigation to determine whether local motorists are being gouged at the gas pumps.
In a unanimous vote Wednesday, city lawmakers called for solving a costly mystery and finding out why gasoline prices in the Buffalo area are the highest in the nation. Their resolution asks the state attorney general to review pricing policies in the industry.
“The high cost of gas is driving up the cost of everything else,” said Niagara Council Member David A. Rivera, the bill’s lead sponsor.
He said he intends to contact Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, who also has been pushing for federal and state investigations.
Ellicott Council Member Brian C. Davis said working closely with Higgins and other officials could show the kind of unity that might be the catalyst for a comprehensive review.
Council President David A. Franczyk also suggested that “anecdotal” evidence indicates that prices at many city pumps are higher than at their suburban counterparts. The Fillmore District representative said he’s worried some distributors might be practicing a form of zone pricing that penalizes city motorists.
Officials from State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo’s office did not have an immediate response to the Council’s resolution. Last month, Cuomo said his office was looking into complaints about discrepancies in gas prices to determine whether any anti-price-gouging laws may be applicable. But at that time, Cuomo speculated that the issue is more likely a federal matter.
Higgins also has asked the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to look into the controversy.
In other Council business Wednesday, members met with Public Works Commissioner Steven J. Stepniak to review issues involving the city’s new leaf-composting program.
Many residents have complained about a recent crackdown on property owners who pile leaves in the streets. Others have questioned a policy that requires leaves to be placed in clear plastic bags. According to isolated reports, some crews have refused to pick up leaves in opaque bags.
Stepniak said employees will be reminded not to leave behind any bagged leaves during the program’s transition period.
Questions also have arisen over why residents must place bagged leaves at curbside on garbage days when crews sometimes do not pick them up until a few days later.
Stepniak said the practice allows the city to gauge the volume of leaves and yard waste, then deploy manpower accordingly.
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