Ike

As reports abound of gas prices rocketing upwards overnight in the state, Governor Steve Beshear (D-Lexington) declared a state of emergency this afternoon in an effort to stop price gouging.

"I am outraged by the voracious practices of price gouging we are seeing," said Beshear in a statement. "Today, I have taken an extraordinary step to protect the consumers of the commonwealth from these predators."

Beshear is said to be partnering with Attorney General Jack Conway (D-Louisville) in the effort, which comes in advance of the expected spike in prices following the landfall of Hurricane Ike in Texas.

"We have received an overwhelming influx of reports from across Kentucky regarding gasoline price spikes and even rationing," said Conway. "I felt it was important to get the price gouging protections in place as soon as possible to protect the commonwealth's consumers and businesses."

Following Beshear's order, Conway will be able to investigate and prosecute claims of predatory pricing amid the expected weather emergency in the Gulf Coast.