Gas Prices, Alternate Fuel Sources, Global Warming

Is the price of gas taking your wallet hostage? Have you found yourself riding the bus or organizing carpools? Are you riding your bike to work, packing your lunch and eating left overs? If you answered yes to any of these questions you are not alone.

This week I have been thinking about the high price of gas, the economy and global warming. I remember gas rationing in 1973, it was called the gas embargo. Around the same time scientist began talking about global warming and the greenhouse effect.

During the gas embargo, the government decided to use license plates to decide when we could buy gas. If our tag ended in an even number, we could buy gas on even numbered days. If our license plate ended with an odd number, we could buy gas on odd numbered days. Prices increased, we changed our driving habits and we talked about exploring alternate fuel sources. Fuel efficient cars sold like hot cakes.

We all remember Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Gas prices rose, fuel efficient cars were in demand again and there was talk of alternate fuel sources. But just like 1973, after we became accustomed to the higher prices we went back to our old habits. It was business as usual.

Because of these memories, I have conflicting feelings about current gas prices. The price of gas is too high and it is placing a heavy burden on most Americans. The timing – along with the housing crisis and massive layoffs – is terrible. For me personally, the price of gas increased right after my hours were cut at work, so I am really feeling the increase. However, I believe that if the price of gas goes down, that once again we will return to old habits.

We must become serious about alternate fuel sources but I don’t think we will develop better mass transit, more efficient automobiles or organize carpools unless we are forced to do so. The effects of global warming are evident in this crazy weather that we have experienced over the past few years.

Sometimes we have to make unpleasant sacrifices to achieve a much needed result. What do you think?

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