1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to regulate price gouging, particularly in times of crisis or emergency. While businesses are entitled to make a profit, there must be a limit to how much they can exploit consumers, especially when they are vulnerable due to natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. Price gouging during such times is both unethical and harmful to the well-being of individuals and families, disproportionately affecting low-income communities. Recent events have demonstrated the severity of this issue. When essential goods—such as food, water, gas, medical supplies, and housing—become unaffordable due to artificially inflated prices, it creates further hardship for those already struggling. In times of crisis, people should not have to choose between basic necessities and their financial security. Price gouging exacerbates these struggles, taking advantage of people’s desperation and making it harder for them to recover from the crisis at hand. Regulating price gouging is a critical step in ensuring that businesses act responsibly during times of emergency. I urge you to consider passing or strengthening legislation that enforces strict limits on price increases for essential goods during declared states of emergency. Clear and enforceable regulations would not only prevent businesses from taking advantage of vulnerable populations but also promote fairness and transparency in times of crisis. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important issue. I trust you will take the necessary steps to protect consumers and ensure that our economy functions in a way that is both ethical and supportive of all citizens, especially in times of need.