AAA say U.S. Delared World’s Biggest Oil Producer; Gas Prices Drift Lower

Tampa, FL – The United States surpassed Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the world’s biggest oil producer this year.

According to a report from the Bank of America Corp., the U.S. is projected to remain the top producer of 2014 because domestic output is forecast to increase and production growth outside the U.S. has been lower than anticipated. [Read more]

Bank of America Ends Debit Card Fee Plans Following Consumer Backlash

Episode Demonstrates Consumers Have Power to Shape the Marketplace

San Francisco, CA – Following weeks of consumer protest, Bank of America announced today that it is dropping its plan to begin charging consumers a monthly $5.00 debit card fee. Bank of America’s decision demonstrates that consumers can have a big impact on banking industry practices by joining together and making their voices heard, according to Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports.

“Consumers have the power to make the big banks back down from unfair practices if they raise their voices and vote with their feet and their dollars,” said Norma Garcia, manager of Consumers Union’s financial services program. “In the end, Bank of America understood that it risked losing too many valuable customers by charging an unfair debit card fee.” [Read more]