Could expensive gas be a good thing?

[yourout]

High priced gas will force us to conserve and will hopefully be
the trigger to the development of alternative energy sources. If
things do not change my kids or my grandkids will live in some
very difficult times largely due to our dependance on oil. On another
note I just purchased a VW Jetta Diesel.......nice car, 45-50 mpg.
I have read about prototype hybrid diesels that get 60+ mpg and
hybrid diesel transit buses that get good milage with only a fraction
of the noise and fumes. As much as expensive gas is painful for me right now.......if that is what it takes to motivate the USA to
conserve and develop then maybe high oil is not such a bad thing.

<http://www.dieselnet.com/news/9909ford.html>
<http://www.trimet.org/environment/hybridbus.htm>

[justinsb]

1. Yes, absolutely - if it ever gets expensive

Right now, by world standards the US is still paying less than normal. In Canada we are paying almost $4 per US gallon and we're an oil exporter so, in theory, it should be cheaper here.

[uppityperson]

9. How much of that is taxes?

Hi justinsb. I have family in Europe and we were discussing this. A good portion of their high gas cost goes to taxes to pay for roads and public transportation. The problem I see is that the increased cost here goes straight to the oil companies as profit. I would not mind paying so much if the money were used in a way other than gross profit for oil companies.

[MadHound]

2. The trouble with that theory is

That with fuel costs going up so quickly, it is going to put a real pinch on the poor and middle class before "the invisible hand of the market" brings about the sort of innovations and conservation that we all desire. Many many people are going to suffer and go under while we undergo this abrupt transition, and no, that is not a good thing.

So you just bought yourself a diesel, good for you! Are you going to start making your own bio-diesel? It is quite the easy process, much better for your engine, and the emissions are next to nothing. Oh, and it is cheaper than regular diesel by a country mile. If you're worried about trailing the infamous french fry smell around after you, you can always run your bio-diesel through a bed of activated charcoal. You can find out how to make biodiesel with this book, it is an excellent resource
<http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/0970722702/702-5951340-0946403>
Also you can buy complete kits from places like here
<http://www.makebiodiesel.com>

[Arkansas Democrat]

4. I heard something

on CNN this morning about a conversion kit one can buy for like $820 that makes it possible to burn used cooking oil instead of gasoline??? Where would someone buy this gadget and how feasible would this be?

[yourout]

6. When the warranty is up I might making my own Bio.

I am looking for a used Jetta TDI for my kids but they are like gold right now. With 5 drivers and 4 vehicles in the house our gas bill last month was $600.

[TheFarseer]

3. This is a case of

what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Stronger in the fact that we will have to get more fuel efficient, find alternative energy, etc etc. The only problem is it might kill us!

[uppityperson]

5. Yes, for another reason also, making people notice the bushlies

People will not change until they get uncomfortable enough. Paying $40 to fill your tank is a shock, paying $1.50 for apples in August is a shock. People are beginning to notice, this is a great time for gas prices to go up as people are beginning to question the administration's policies.

[yourout]

7. Hope they peak next year in october.

eom

[Kolesar]

8. Diesels emit a lot of nitrous oxides that are smog producing &greenhouse..

...gasses. It is due to the high temperatures of combustion. Bet the dealer didn't tell you that! The US EPA is sponsoring a low-NOx diesel engine development.

[Armstead]

10. NO!

We should have worked towards a sustainable energy policy long ago. But the politicians and corporate elite have discouraged and/or ignored it at every turn.

HOWEVER ordinary people should not be punished for the malfescence of the political and economic elite.

Long-term, we need to shift to renewable energy, conservation and mass transit. But short term, we should contain high energy prices, because that's what we rely on to live.

[Greyhound]

11. Just more bushit...

I get so frustrated when I read this kind of thing coming from 'our side'.
There are no funds to speak of going into real alternative fuels. All of *'s grandstanding is going into more dirty, dangerous, dead-end alternatives that have the common element of allowing the oil/energy companies (campaign contributors) to control the means of production and distribution. This, in turn, will allow them to continue to rule us.
All of the technology and infrastructure currently exists to switch the country to real alternatives, but no body is talking about it. Nor are our 'representatives' making even the slightest effort to correct this.
Nothing will change before we are relegated to being a second tier nation of serfs, struggling every day to survive. This is the future we are condemning our children to. :kick:

[ComerPerro]

12. What about people who have to drive?

I work 30 miles from where I live. And it was hard enough finding a job.

Other than going to work, I rarely drive.

Some people can't drive any less.

And I can't afford a new car, especially not a hybrid.