Letter to the editor: Why gas prices are high

Regarding Sean Peters’ letter “Biden’s blunders” (Nov. 22, TribLIVE): As a citizen of this United States, I feel it is my duty to point out the misinformation you have asserted in your letter.

There’s a reason prices have gone up lately, and it has nothing to do with President Biden. It’s called supply and demand. When the country shut down due to the pandemic last year, demand decreased and prices dropped. As our country recovers from covid and demand increases, prices will increase … a matter of supply and demand. Including gas prices. Simple, really.

Also, canceling of the Keystone XL pipeline has absolutely nothing to do with the current gas prices of today. Keystone XL pipeline phases 1, 2 and 3 are complete; it’s phase 4 that was canceled. President Trump took action to permit completion of phase 4 on Jan. 25, 2017, close to five years ago; the hurdles to clear to complete the fourth phase — courts, environmental issues, eminent domain, etc., plus a 1,179-mile-long construction project — the pipeline would be nowhere near done to have any effect on gas prices now. Even if TC Energy hadn’t abandoned the project, it still would not be complete and on line for several years to come.

I know it’s temping to blame Biden for every little mishap that happens now, but you should do a little research beforehand, like I did. Peace and happy holidays.

Jeffrey T. Hice

Penn Township, Westmoreland County