Re: Re: Let it rise, let it rise.
Runner said:
Actually, I agree with this! I'd be happy to see a half or even a full dollar added to the price. Preferably in taxes to be used for a good cause.
You may get your wish (for higher prices -- but not due to taxing it for a good cause). This has been covered in two of my classes: the most solid numbers for what our 'oil reserves' are indicate that we will have used up 50% of all oil in about another 8 years. The most optimistic numbers push it out only about 10 more years.
The first 50% that you remove from an oil well is 'cheap'. The last 50% is much more expensive. So, the end of 'cheap oil' may be just around the corner. All the whining and crying about 'when we run out of gas' is silly. It is when we run out of CHEAP gas that we will have to make major changes to our lifestyles.
These estimates fit well with the historical track record that it took about 50 years of whining, crying, and claiming it was 'the end of the world' to transition from wood fuel to coal fuel, and the same for the transition from coal to oil. They have been whining and crying since the '70's. So, another 20 years will be the 50 year mark (or there abouts).
While good intentions (world famous for paving a road to hell) have failed to really launch any cleaner technologies in a big way, a steep rise in gas prices may launch some alternative fuel vehicles (price is one of the big obstacles at present) and simultaneously reign in spawl. Sprawl 'works' for people right now because it is cheaper to buy a house way out and put up with a long commute. If the cost of commuting skyrockets, those 'pricey' homes closer in may be more practical.
Additionally, it may make public transit a whole lot more attractive. If you cannot afford to drive in to your job from your house in the burbs, maybe it will make more sense to take the train (or bus or whatever).