Highest Gas Prices Ever

From Reuters:

"...average gasoline prices climbed to a record-high average of $3.073 a gallon Monday..."

"...Gasoline prices are up about 50 cents since March, with energy experts blaming this year's spike on planned maintenance and breakdowns at U.S. refineries struggling to meet tough environmental fuel regulations...."

"...'Because oil prices today are at least $10 less expensive per barrel than when gasoline prices previously exceeded $3 a gallon, almost all of the price pressure on gasoline can now be attributed to America's continuing -- and increasing -- inability to supply enough refined gasoline to the marketplace,' AAA said in a statement earlier this month..."

"...The administration of President George W. Bush has offered oil companies incentives to build new refineries to meet growing domestic demand -- but companies have instead chosen to expand capacity at existing plants.
A new refinery has not been built in the United States for about 30 years.
Bush is also seeking to encourage use of biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil...."

In other words, it ISN'T Bush's fault that gas prices are soaring; it's Al Gore's fault. That's an interesting - if not refreshing - glimmer of honesty from Reuters.