Marathon Pundit: Since Obama became prez: $40 more to fill up a minivan's gas tank

Our anti-fossil fuel president's energy policy is achieving results. As the Senate Republican Communications Center reports, families are paying almost $40 more every time they fill up their gasoline tank.

Hope and change, baby!

From the SRCC:

$40 More Per Fill-Up
A Tank Of Gas Costs Nearly $40 More Today Than When President Obama Took Office

President On Payroll Holiday: ‘$40 Can Make All The Difference In The World’

PRESIDENT OBAMA: “We asked folks to tell what it was like -- what it would be like if they lost $40 out of every one of their paychecks -- because we wanted to make sure that people understood this is not just an abstract argument, this is concrete. This makes a difference in the lives of folks all across the country in very important ways…  It would be $40 less for groceries to feed your kids; it would be $40 less for the medications you depend on; $40 less to cover bills and the rent; $40 less to take care of an elder parent, or to donate to a church or a charity.” (President Obama, Remarks, 2/14/12)

·         OBAMA: “And that's what this debate is all about. This is what’s at stake for millions of Americans. This is why it matters to people -- it matters a heck of a lot. And I’m asking the American people to keep their stories coming. Tell us what $40 means to you.” (President Obama, Remarks, 2/14/12)

·         OBAMA: “… $40 can make all the difference in the world.” (President Obama, Weekly Address, 2/11/12)

·         OBAMA: “People can’t afford losing $40 ... Not right now.” (President Obama, Remarks, 1/25/12)

It Now Costs An Additional $40 To Fill-Up A Minivan

For a typical 20 gallon tank like the Toyota Sienna or Dodge Grand Caravan, it now costs an extra $38.80 to fill up at the pump. (“2011 Toyota Sienna Minivan Features & Specs,” Edmunds.com, Accessed 3/7/12); (“2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan Features & Specs,” Edmunds.com, Accessed 3/7/12)

·         $3.77 per gallon: average price of gas nationwide. (“National Unleaded Average,” AAA, 3/5/12)

·         $1.83 per gallon: average price of gas was when President Obama was inaugurated.(“Weekly U.S. Regular Conventional Retail Gasoline Prices,” U.S. Energy Information Administration, Accessed 2/16/12)

Q: ‘Is The Overall Goal To Get Our Price Lower?’ SEC. STEVEN CHU:‘No’

“The Energy Department isn’t working to lower gasoline prices directly, Secretary Steven Chu said Tuesday…” (“Chu: DOE Works To Wean U.S. Off Oil, Not Lower Prices” Politico, 2/28/12)

·         COMMITTEE QUESTION: “But, is the overall goal to get our price lower?” SEC. STEVEN CHU: “No, the overall goal is to decrease our dependency on oil...” (U.S. House Of Representatives, Appropriations Committee, Hearing, 2/28/12)

STEVEN CHU: “Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.” (“Times Tough For Energy Overhaul,” The Wall Street Journal, 12/12/08)

Current Price Of Gas ‘In Europe’
Italy: $9.03 Per Gallon
UK: $8.30 Per Gallon
Germany: $8.26 Per Gallon
France: $8.27 Per Gallon
(“Actual Prices Per On Liter Of Fuel,” Europe’s Energy Portal, Accessed 3/5/12)