House Speaker Defending Deal To Bring Venezuelan Oil To Maine
As home heating oil prices rise again, a prominent state official is defending deals to bring Venezuelan oil to Maine.
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Last week, four Maine Indian tribes announced they'll purchase heating oil for tribal members at deep discounts from Venezuela's Citgo Corporation.
The state of Maine is negotiating a similar deal that could bring a discount of five and a half million dollars.
Critics of Venezuelan sales of cheap oil in the United States have accused that country's president, Hugo Chavez, of trying to score political points for himself while embarrassing President Bush.
But Maine House Speaker John Richardson defends a deal with Venezuela, saying the need for oil in Maine is great.
The state Office of Energy Independence and Security says home heating oil prices this week are $2.36 per gallon, two cents per gallon higher than last week's average and 49 cents higher than last year at this time.
Last week, the Legislature appropriated five million dollars for additional heating assistance, and a private charitable fund is soliciting donations for heating help. Donations are being solicited in TV ads.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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January 2006 Reports
Last updated on January 12, 2006