The most ironic thing of all is that “real” oil prices are not up, and the congress gets more profit from high oil prices than the oil companies do. Oil prices are also up because the Fed watered down the dollar (and because the US created a lot of instability in the Middle East). So basically the congress promotes this system that ruined the value of peoples money and drives up prices, and then when prices skyrocket, they decry the oil companies. What amazing hypocrites.

What’s even worse is that if the US really wanted energy independence we have up to a 600 year supply of coal. We are the OPEC of Coal, and technology exists to convert it to fuel. But with all the environmental regulations, they are beating the life out of that industry too.

If Congress wanted cheaper energy and was really concerned about C02 emissions it would get rid of the regulations on atomic power stations. These regulations do NOT improve health and safety (rather the reverse) and vastly increase costs.

If electricity was cheaper not only would electic cars be a better option, but “cracking” sea water for hydrodgen powered cars would also become more cost effective.

William, I`m with you on most of this. We would certainly be better off it private parties owned and managed resources that are now in federal hands, and private markets – instead of public hectoring and grandstanding – governed the use of such resources. We would be spared the ridiculous rhetoric for each side that is only natural when resource firms or citizens are trying to persuade the government to provide them a public resource at favorable rates.

I`m also not thrilled by the prospect of more pork flowing to “alternative” energy.

But spare me the crocodile tears for big oil. These firms have been buying off legislators for years, and have gone along with alot of regulation in order to hamstring competition. The have certainly been in cahoots with Bush on our adventures in the Middle East, etc., and have also enjoyed bear-baiting the enviros by playing along with Bush in pretending that climate change is not a problem – as any changes to deal with that problem with likely mean an end to free dumping of GHGs.

Paul: Can you clarify what regulations you think are holding nuclear power back? I think one utility just announced two new facilities. I though the problem was the uncertainties with disposal, as well that real energy prices have been falling. I presume you are in favor of removing the federal subsidy in the form of long-term damage insurance?

Sincerely,

TT

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