|
|
Soaring Gas Prices |
by Sierra A. Martin The sound rushing waters threatens to drown the voices in the distance. We sit solemnly in our barrel, whitewaters propelling us toward the mighty Niagara Falls. The impending doom erodes our senses just before we freefall to jagged rocks below. Now the only question that remains, will we survive?
While the majority of us feel the pinch of high gas prices, families on fixed incomes or with moderate incomes are those who are forced to cut consumption of gas. Young adults, farmers, semi-drivers, rural area residents and leisure travelers will also continue to realize the impact of the gas prices crisis.
According to Nomura Securities Chief Economist David Resler, “The danger is that this latest bout of high oil prices will last longer and have more detrimental effect on consumer activity.” The cost of oil has almost doubled in the past two years, leaving analysts to believe the cost of crude oil could top $80 a barrel this year. Meanwhile the oil companies’ profits are up an average of 48% over last year.
In a speech to the Renewable Fuels Association our President admitted, “Our addiction to oil is a matter of national security concern”. In an effort to offset the rise of gas prices in America a four part plan was established. The predictions in following these stragities will give long term gain and greater flexibility with our energy resources.
Officials are demanding all consumers are treated fairly at the gas pump. FTC Officials will be conducting investigations for all states to ensure the no gouging and no price manipulation policies are upheld. The President of the United States has asked Congress to repeal unneeded tax breaks for the refineries. According to analysts, the numbers have shown the highest annual return on profits in the past year.
Promoting better gas efficiency is yet another way for consumers to cut out of pocket gasoline costs. Congress has pushed to make hybrids and clean diesel vehicles sold this year, to receive the first ever, Federal Tax credit.
Reforming Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFÉ) helps save consumers valuable gas dollars at the pump. President Bush issued a temporary hold on the government’s reserve for purchasing crude oil. This allows more crude oil to remain in the market for American consumers. The EPA Administrator Steve Johnson will be working diligently in obtaining waivers that would relieve critical gas supply shortages, and forming a task force with the governors to control the localized fuel blends – these boutique blends continue to add to the painful risk of higher gas prices.
Congress has been asked to allow refineries to make minor modifications without delays in approval process. These will give our refineries a greater amount of oil for consumers thus relieving its shortage. In the past 30 years no new refineries have been built in America. This is the reason we find ourselves relying on foreign countries for the majority of our oil supply.
The insight we have come to recognize today is that investing in fuel alternatives to reduce our need for gas must be a top priority. Calls have been made to Congress for the support of Advanced Energy Incentives by – reducing gas consumption, using ethanol, using more hybrid vehicles, and continuing development of the hydrogen technology.
We will continue to use renewable energy products and make investments in alternative energy products. By increasing the use of Ethanol (E85) with minor modifications to both cars and trucks they can use the blend of 85 % ethanol and 15% gas thereby turning the vehicle into a “flex fuel vehicle”.
Currently we have 97 refineries in the United States and an additional 35 more under construction. As Americans push for alternate energy sources – last year the government heard our cries and issued about 85 million dollars in grants for ethanol business ventures.
The president signed the first ever Federal Tax credit for biodiesel producers. The refineries now receive 50 cents for every gallon of biodiesel fuel they blend.
The lives of many dangle as we prepare to face the months ahead, but analysts believe that although the rise in gas prices is likely, we should be aware that the rate of improvement in our budgeting last year has made us resilient to this influx of oil prices.
Even after the devastating effects of Katrina and the Iraq war, we have still managed to cut the overall budget and place ourselves in position to continue to move forward solidly.
With every day that passes, there is no for telling what our future's gas prices will be. Stick with the small things that make a difference to you and your family, commute with friends when possible, use your cruise control, check tire pressure, skip the air conditioning unless necessary, and the most important of all drive the speed limit, those quick starts and stops are gobbling up that precious gas.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES |
|
Creating the Perfect Valentines Celebration
How do you celebrate Valentines Day? This year will you opt for the traditional box of chocolates, flowers, and a special night on the town? These traditional Valentines ideas are great, but there are other Valentines ideas you should know about.
|
|
Stamp Price Hike of 2007
It feels like only yesterday the last stamp price increase happened. However, starting May 14th, First-Class One Ounce Letter Stamp’s price goes up by two cents again, from 39 cents to 41 cents, USPS reports.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Digg It
Stumble it
Del.icio.us
