GOVERNOR ORDERS IMMEDIATE STUDY OF HIGH GAS PRICES
Energy Advisor will research problem and solutions

Carson City - As the summer vacation season gets underway, higher gas prices may keep many Americans closer to home. "Millions of tourists drive to Nevada, we need to find out why gas prices have risen so quickly and see if there is anything we can do about it," Governor Jim Gibbons said, "I am working to get more tourists to come to Nevada, so I need real facts to see if there is anything we can do about this problem."

Governor Gibbons will have State Energy Advisor Dr. Hatice Gecol research the problem and explore possible solutions or actions the Governor can take to minimize the burden higher gas prices are placing on Nevada residents and reduce the impact higher gas prices are having on tourism. "Whether it is fuel conservation or a request for someone with authority in Washington D.C. to look into this matter, Nevada needs tourists," Gibbons said, "And with these rising fuel prices, tourists may be less likely to visit Nevada, making it more difficult for us to climb out of the economic crisis."

57% of all visitors to Las Vegas arrive by ground transportation (cars, buses).

Traffic on I-15 at the Nevada/California border was up more than 11% in April 2009. Since then, gas prices have gone up $.40 a gallon.

Governor Gibbons noted a curious anomaly about gas prices in the region. According to American Automobile Association (AAA) statistics, the average price for a gallon of gasoline was $2.67 in Arizona, $2.75 in Nevada and $3.02 in California. All these prices are $.40 to $.50 higher than just one month ago.

Governor Gibbons has asked that Dr. Gecol create a preliminary reporting within two weeks.