(OVERLAND PARK, KAN.) – Concerned by rising gas prices following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District -- Kansas) encourages constituents who believe they have been a victim of price gouging to contact the Kansas Attorney General.

“The record gas prices are hurting Kansas families and businesses,” Moore said. “Economists are warning that rising gas prices could threaten our economy. Price gouging will not be tolerated during this difficult time.”

Moore called Attorney General Phill Kline today about the high volume of constituent contacts regarding price gouging. Constituents who believe they have been the victim of price gouging are encouraged to call Attorney General Kline's Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division at 1-800-432-2310.

Moore noted the record rise in gas prices underscores the need for a long-term, national energy policy. He has called for the federal government to provide incentives for companies to open new refineries and update equipment. To reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil sources, Congress should encourage the development of domestic energy sources, including measures to increase the use of renewable energy resources and the use of emerging technologies that could increase energy efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption.

“The production of wind energy and sources such as ethanol could provide an economic boost to the Kansas economy,” Moore said. “We need to explore reliable sources of energy and innovation for the future to address the gas price situation for our Kansas families.”