Late-night host Stephen Colbert says a “clean conscience” is worth the rising price of gas amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Colbert addressed the rising prices on Monday night as he said, “Since the invasion, oil prices have skyrocketed. Today, the average gas price in America hit an all-time record high of over $4 per gallon.”
“OK, that stings, but a clean conscience is worth a buck or two. It’s important,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
Finally, he added, “I’m willing to pay $4 a gallon. Hell, I’ll pay $15 a gallon cause I drive a Tesla.”
The line drew laughter from the audience.
Colbert’s comments come after the national average for a gallon of gas hit a new record high, as IJR reported.
Earlier on Monday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was criticized for touting the “gas savings of driving” an electric vehicle amid the price spike in gas.
“Clean transportation can bring significant cost savings for the American people, as well,” he said, adding, “Last month, we announced a $5 billion investment to build out a nationwide electric vehicle charging network, so that people from rural to suburban to urban communities can all benefit from the gas savings of driving an EV.”
At the same event, Vice President Kamala Harris said, “We are all in the midst of a turning point. We have the technology to transition to a zero-emission fleet. Our administration together, all of us, is working to make that possibility a reality.”
CNBC noted in Dec. 2021, “The average transaction price for an electric vehicle (EV) is $56,437, according to Kelley Blue Book — roughly $10,000 higher than the overall industry average of $46,329 that includes gas and EVs. In terms of pricing, an EV is equivalent to an entry-level luxury car.”
Amid the rising gas prices, the White House announced Biden will release 30 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to “protect American businesses and consumers, including from rising prices at the pump.”