winslow

The Politics of Gas Prices: Comprehensive Energy Policy Needed

Politicians are lame in fomenting energy policy. We are in an age of "thinkless" leaders. Bush has been a leader for all these years and his explanation of high oil prices is "it won't be an easy fix". Duh.

To begin, we have to weane off of low mpg vehicles. How about a huge tax incentive to buy an auto that gets over 30-35mph and an added tax on vehicles that perform below 20mph.

Second, we need to develop a mass transportation system other than autos. My idea is a high-speed rail system between major cities with "low cost to rent" Smart Cars available at the rail terminal

Third, we need massive funding for alternative energies, similiar to the "man on the moon" project

Fourth, we need to stengthen the dollar to bring down dollar-denominated oil. A formal commitment and plan to balance the budget.

Fifth, use experts (ie, scientists, not oil company execs) to help set energy policy. Ethanol was completely ill-concieved (and of course no one will own up to it) just as bad as the policy Bush promoted for hydrogen power. How can anyone without a scientific background promote such a program without understanding the rational feasibility.