Sin is in / Section B
http://www.dailyemerald.com
Thursday, February 27,2003
Since 1900 University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon
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Volume 104, Issue 108
Fueling a price
increase
Fears of a gas shortage have prompted
concern and, for many, a reduction in car use
Ali Shaughnessy
Environment/Science/Technology
One year ago, the average price of a gallon of regular unlead
ed gas in the Eugene-Springfield area was $1.14, according to
the American Automobile Association. Now, the average cost
for the same gallon of gas in the same area costs $1.81.
While the 66.3 cent difference may not seem like that much
of a price increase, multiply it by 12 gallons, and the amount of
money jumps from about 66 cents to almost $8.
In an interview with the Salem Statesman Journal, Ore
gon Gasoline Dealers Association President Brent DeHart
explained why there was an increase.
“The barrel of oil is so expensive,” DeHart said in the in
terview. “It’s a worldwide commodity, and it’s a supply and
demand product. When there are fears of a shortage, like
there are right now, the price goes up.”
The fear of a shortage comes from several factors, including the
recently-setded production strike in Venezuela and speculation
of a possible oil shortage that a U.S. attack on Iraq could create.
“The United States does not get its oil from Iraq, so the lack
of supply there wouldn’t affect us,” DeHart told the Statesman
Journal. Except “all those who do get it there will be trying to
get it from the places where we get it. That affects supply.”
Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has conducted two in-depth
researches into gas price increases and why they occur.
In his most recent paper, Wyden presented documentation
from corporations such as Texaco, ARGO and Chevron. With
in the documents, some of which are said to be internal,
Wyden found the corporations practice “zone pricing.”
According to Wyden’s first paper, published in June of 1999,
zone pricing is when “oil companies base prices on the most
effective way to maximize profit for the oil company in arbi
trary geographic areas, or ‘zones.’” Wyden said in some cases,
zone pricing could involve lowering prices in order or capture
high volume. It also could involve increasing prices, too, as
competing stations drive up consumer costs.
It is DeHart’s opinion, however, that when the price of gas
increases it has a negative effect on the retailers who sell it.
“The demand goes down, (retailers’) expenses go up,” he
told the Statesman Journal.
Federal courts have ruled that charging various prices for
gasoline to two buyers that are in competition with each oth
er violates the Robinson-Patman Price Discrimination Act.
The act prohibits manufacturers and suppliers from provid
ing price discounts to some buyers and other forms of prefer
ential treatment. Wyden, however, found instances where
“oil companies’ zone pricing has resulted in their paying
higher prices and losing business to nearby service stations
selling the same brand of gasoline. ”
im- __
Adam Amato Emerald
The 76 gas station on Coburg Road and Centennial Boulevard now
charges over $2 per gallon for premium gasoline, a stark reminder
of the recent rise in gas prices.
According to Elliot Eki, who works for AAA, the not-for
profit organization hasn’t felt a negative effect with the in
crease in gas prices.
AAA is known for its roadside services — towing a car
when it is broken down or bringing gas to its members when
they run out — as well as its travel agency, car buying serv
ice and auto travel planning.
“Normally when there’s a large fluctuation (in gas prices),
Emergency Roadside Service lets me know,” Eki said. “I
haven’t heard (about) any effect yet.”
Many University students are aware of the increase in prices,
though, and subsequendy have cut back on how much they drive.
“I try to drive less,” sophomore Josh Welch said. “I try to
take the bus to school as much as possible.”
Contact the reporter
atalishaughnessy@dailyemerald.com.
Admissions
will require
PASS plan
The Proficiency-based Admission Standards System
will require high school students to demonstrate skills
in six academic areas by 2005
Jan Montry
City/State Politics Reporter
Oregon’s graduating high school students applying to Oregon
University System schools beginning in 2005 will face a new
proficiency-based admissions standard that will better prepare
them for undergraduate coursework.
The standard, part of a program created in 1993 and called
the Proficiency-based Admission Standards System, is expect
ed to be completely phased-in by 2005.
The new PASS system will require high school students to
Turn to Admissions, page 12A
ASUO, groups
tout college
grant, loan bill
Groups met to discuss the reauthorization of the
Higher Education Art, which allocates federal
money for loans and grants to college students
Roman Gokhman
Campus/City Culture Reporter
ASUO officials, University student groups and two spokes
women for congressional delegates met Wednesday to voice sup
port for reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
The federal act, established in 1965 to help students pay for col
lege with grants and loans, is reauthorized every five years and will
be up for renewal again in one to two years. During reauthorization,
higher education tinkers with bill provisions. Right now advocates
are pushing for more grant money and less loan money.
ASUO President Rachel Pilliod said she wants the government to
increase grants and access to higher education for financially
strapped students so they do not rack up more college debt. Other
speakers added that an average University graduate leaves the
school with $16,000 of debt.
Representatives for Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Peter
DeFazio, D-Eugene, said raising funds for Pell Grants, the largest
source for student aid in 2002, is the only way some students will
be able to attend college.
Turn to Education, page 4A
Weather
Today: High 52, Low 33,
mostly cloudy, chance of rain
Friday: High 52, Low 35,
cloudy, chance of showers j
Looking ahead
Friday
Programs Finance Committee
wraps up its budget process
after presenting to the Senate
Friday night online
The University Assembly may
decide on a resolution that
would take a stance on Iraq
Davis focuses on God, girlfriend, class
James Davis, the Pac-10’s top three-point
shooter, said going to school has helped
him appreciate the value of an education
Off the hardwood
Brad Schmidt
News Editor
James Lee Davis doesn’t read from the Bible on a
daily basis, doesn’t preach to others and doesn’t make
it to church as often as he’d like. The University junior
believes God has a plan for everyone, though, and he
lives by the words associated with the cross tattooed
on his right leg.
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens
me” — Philippians 4:13.
Religion has been a focal point in Davis’ life for as long
as he can remember, maybe even a little longer than he
has liked.
“Growing up as a young ’un, you know, you were
dragged to church,” said Davis, the men’s basketball
starting shootingguard. “You didn’t want to be there: It’s
one of those places. ”
But Davis’ father, who goes by the senior version of the
same name, made sure his James and his two other chil
dren regularly attended church. And all the while, Davis’
father has been lovingly looking out for his eldest son —
appropriately nicknamed “Junior” by his family.
“To me, he’s been ‘Junior’ since he was in his mother’s
womb,” the elder Davis said.
As the years have gone by — 21 of them, now —
Davis has found a sense of belonging through his Chris
tian beliefs, his basketball skills and his pursuit of
knowledge.
“I’m telling him every time I talk to him that he can’t
bank on basketball, that he’s got to get an education too,”
Davis’ father said.
Without basketball, though, “Junior” said he
wouldn’t be attending the University, or any college
for that matter.
“The first time I thought about college was when I was
in high school playing basketball.... I was just never a big
fan of school and academics,” the Vancouver, Wash., na
tive said. “Finally, after 21 years, I’m finally starting to
get the big picture and finally starting to see that school is
going to help you in the long run.”
When Davis came to the University, he had no idea
Turn to Davis, page 8A
Danielle Hickey Emerald
James Davis balances his time as a men's
basketball guard and ethnic studies major.