In early March, the Bayou State set a new record high as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $4.04. That was about 3 cents higher than the previous record set in 2008 when the price last reached the $4 mark. Gas prices then continued to break that record as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline climbed to  $4.15. According to AAA, gas prices jumped at least 90 cents in about a month's time.

Now, as we go into the summer, gas prices are continuing to sit around the $4.00 mark. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman points to a 13-cent jump over the last week as a reminder that $4-per-galllon prices aren't going anywhere yet.

“We are concerned that we would see these prices continue to climb back up once we saw OPEC decide not to increase the production of crude,” said Redman to Louisiana Radio Network. "Continue to budget at least four dollars a gallon, because our concern is that this going to be our future in the near-term."

As we get ready for the upcoming hurricane season, increasing gas prices is yet another reason why those powerful storms need to stay away from the Gulf Coast.

Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images
Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images
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“They are predicting a very active hurricane season," says Redman. So, if we have a repeat of Ida or something like that, boy it can really skyrocket the prices.”

Well, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says he has the answer to our high gas problems.

First, Let's Travel Back In Time 11 Years Ago

In September of 2011, President Barack Obama gave a speech to a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress outlining his Amercian Jobs Act for the country still trying to recover from the 2008 recession. During the speech, then U.S. Congressman Jeff Landry printed out a small white sign to raise when Obama mentioned how he planned to put more Americans to work.

Obama Addresses Joint Session Of Congress On Jobs And The Economy
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Landry held up the sign when Obama acknowledged that Republicans might have ideas different from his $447 billion jobs package. Since Landry was sworn into office earlier that year, he has been a strong advocate for offshore workers and the need for more drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

What Is The One Item Jeff Landry Says Will Lower Gas Prices?

Fast forward 11 years to today and the U.S. economy is struggling again, this time following the COVID shutdown. And gas prices, which were already steadily increasing before Russia began invading Ukraine, are now accelerating at an even more rapid pace.

Now, current Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is challenging President Joe Biden to drill more in the U.S. and return America to energy independence.

Yes, a drillbit. As you can tell, the message is delivered a little bit tongue-in-cheek but Landry maintains the legitimacy of the drillbit in helping the people in the U.S.

When you put this bit in the ground here in America, you reduce the cost of energy, you make us more secure, you build a bigger, stronger, better middle class, and you take the burden off of the poor. So, why don't you help us lower the gasoline prices and utilites by allowing Americans and Louisianians to use this tool more often.

 

Jeff Landry with Drillbit, Youtube via AGJeffLandry
Jeff Landry via Youtube
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No word yet on whether President Biden will take AG Landry's advice.

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