A trucker group is planning a convoy around Capitol Hill today to ask Congress and President George W. Bush to back energy legislation that would make fuel prices more affordable.


Truckers and Citizens United, a nationwide organization that represents the interests of thousands of professional drivers and trucking employees, says that for months, the volatile shifts in fuel prices have led to higher prices for local business operators, including truckers, and consequently almost every type of consumer good they transport.

The convoy, which could slow traffic in the nation's capital for hours, will start at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., and travel to downtown Washington, D.C., where it will parade around the U.S. Capitol by mid-morning. Hundreds of truckers are expected to participate in the event, with drivers bringing their rigs from New York, West Virginia, Maine, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Texas.

The group wants Congress and the president to pass and sign energy legislation before Congress adjourns that would address the hardships caused by record-high gas prices and curb rampant oil speculation. Specifically, the truckers are asking Congress to close loopholes that allow speculators to manipulate oil prices without ever planning to take delivery of the oil, as well as lift some of the bans on offshore drilling, and allow smaller refineries to be built around the Gulf region.

Following a brief rally at FedEx Field at 8 a.m., the convoy of trucks will depart for Capitol Hill by 9 a.m. The group will take Maryland Interstate 295 South to the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and enter Washington on South Capitol Street (SW). he convoy is expected to arrive at the corners of 3rd Street and Independence Avenue, SW, by 10:30 a.m. The convoy will circle the National Mall on Independence Avenue and Constitution Avenue between Third and Fourteenth Streets before heading back to FedEx Field.

More info: www.truckersandcitizensunited.net