Achieving Escape Velocity On Conservation

Maybe some good can come of all the flustering and blustering over high gas prices. Congress is coming up with some really dumb ideas, but it is obvious they are concerned, and starting to think of things they would have considered political suicide not too long ago.

Maybe the rest of the country is the same as well. I hope so. If we're lucky when gas prices come back down (assuming they do), a culture shift will have occurred. It's interesting how one dramatic event can spur that kind of change. I am a bit afraid that $3.50 isn't dramatic enough, but possibly it is?

What price does it take to instill a long lasting fear of the next price hike in potential guzzlers? I think something of that nature might be healthy. That fear could make them rethink that new AWD Vortec V8 Yukon (12mpg). Maybe they'd buy a hybrid SUV, or a smaller SUV.. or maybe they'd even buy a car.

Also, maybe Congress will have a similar effect. Congress has a pretty short memory, but if some of those frightened consumers keep the pressure on they may actually react.

There are good signs already, but they could just be temporary reactions. One example is that in April, gas consumption actually fell for once. Only half a percent, but that was only one month too.

Or look at this http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/04/news/economy/oil_bill.reut/index.htm.

Or even better: http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/02/news/economy/exxon_ceo/index.htm