Reality Check: Bachmann's $2 Gas Claims
ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann's pledge to bring back $2 gas has the feel of a "chicken in every pot" political promise. Experts say claims like this are running on empty.
"Under President Bachmann, you will see gasoline prices come down below $2 a gallon again!" said Bachmann, campaigning for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination in South Carolina last week. "That! Will! Happen!"
That statement is highly QUESTIONABLE.
Bachmann says cheaper gas is doable if the US expands domestic drilling from Alaska to offshore. However, even if the US changed its drilling policy immediately, it wouldn't lower gas prices for many years.
The Energy Information Administration estimates it would be 2030 before there would have a significant impact on the price at the pump.
Promising cheaper gas is a political strategy Bachmann has used before in Minnesota political campaigns.
"This is our goal: to get back to $2 a gallon, " Bachmann said in June 2008, while running for Congress.
Here's what you NEED TO KNOW.
Back then, Bachmann called it the "No More Excuses Energy Act" and, like her campaign for president this year, she promised $2 gasoline within 4 years.
"In order to get back to $2 a gallon, there is only one solution. It's to explore here, and explore now, so Minnesotans can pay less," she said.
Bachmann blames President Obama for high gas prices, which oil experts say is simply not true for Obama, or any president.
It's worth noting that in this political season there's a history of Democrats blaming Republicans for gas price hikes, too.
Now, gas prices are averaging about $3.50. When Obama took office at the deepest point of the recession, prices were at $1.79. That's when oil experts say demand for gasoline plummeted, and prices dropped.
You might also be interested in reading:
CNN Money: Bachmann Gas Prices
Factcheck.org: Playing Politics With Gasoline Prices
Factcheck.org: Is Obama To Blame For $4 Gasoline?
