Are escalating gas prices actually a good thing?

Question

I know the price at the pump hurts right now, but looking long term isn't this a good thing. The fact is nothing motivates people like their wallet. We should have been pooring money into alternate fuels and conservation programs for decades, but we didn't because there was no financial incentive. Now, thanks to higher prices, there is; and won't we be glad 30 years from now when every bus, truck, and car is belching CO2 into the air?

Answer 1

ironically, yes, I believe the rise in gas prices is a good thing. Canadians have been paying much more for gas for many years now.

Answer 2

Sure, because the gas crisis of the 70s permanently cured Americans of big gas guzzling cars.

Oh, waitasecond...  

Did you know today's SUVs get worse(!) mileage than cars 100 years ago?  Yes, even the humble Model T got about 28mpg!

Gas has been over $3/gal for years now, and after the initial complaints, people went on with their life.  I certainly haven't seen any decrease in SUVs on the road...

Also, realize that the money from the higher prices is only going one place - right into the pockets of big oil.  Other countries, like Japan and the rest of Europe, have always paid much more for gas than the US - but the big difference is that much of that their price hikes are in the form of taxes - which are then pumped into the country's public transit systems.

If the government was really serious about the US' addiction to gasoline and oil, it should have instituted federal programs designed to motivate companies and consumers to make choices.  A gas tax, starting at a  modest $0.05/gal - which would go directly to the states and cities for improving public transportation systems, would be a good start.  (That's less than $1/tank!)  

Bringing back the tax incentives for buying hybrid cars would be another one.  If you recall, this was one of the last things Clinton & Gore did before leaving office - and was one of the FIRST things Bush rescinded when he took office!  If you also recall, Bush rescinded another plan which called for automakers to improve gas mileage by a modest 10% over 15 years.  He only recently put a similar plan back in place, only his plan only calls for a 5% increase over the next 20 years - AND - exempts SUVs and small trucks!

Of course, when you realize that Bush has never been anything but a tool for big oil, this really isn't a big surprise now is it?

Answer 3

There's no guarantee, dude, none at all. The big oil magnates

are gonna milk us to the bitter end. And Bush is big oil even out of office.

Answer 4

not right now, but maybe in the long run, if we can come up with different things like the air powered car, 0r the co2 powered car----ugru

Answer 5

ethanol is the answer, san pierre indiana is one place

we need a ethanol plant.

are you crazy we will be spending money for gas not food. the lower income people will starve. and you rich fat cats love it.

your a republican.

laney

Answer 6

They are wonderful if you happen to own an oil company, or a great deal of stock in one.

Otherwise they are a criminal rip off.

Answer 7

i actually logged on to post the exact same question!  my thought is, while i can't change where and how i get to work, i have altered other behaviors.  if my kids fall asleep in the car, i'm tempted to just drive around to make sure they get their naps.  but i go home and either sit in a shaded spot w/ the windows/doors open or bring them in the house and hope they stay asleep.  better for the environment, right?

Answer 8

its only a good thing, if it causes our economy to collapse.

Answer 9

escalating gas prices - or any prices is NEVER a good thing.  I believe strongly that you are wrong about investing in better ways by motivation of an empty wallet.  WHO is doing the investing - NOT the little people who cannot afford to pay their bills I assure you.

The ONLY people who have the power to invest are those who have decided taht they can make some more money without having to pay out as much.  Oh it turns out that wind power and water power would be nice and easy to maintain for somebody with enough money to put into it.  Look who is the first to jump to the chance - the fuel companies.  The companies that buy "future" fuel and sell it to you at prices based on estimated demand.  The s***w you basically.

There is no good thing to come of this.  The poorer classes will always be the subject of the lucky few (whether by birth or fortunate lives).

It is not good news that we have to deplete all our accessible gas before we think of doing something greener.  If our nations leaders cared about the environment they would have started this long long ago.  So we will just do this until we think of an easier (and more profitable) way of doing it.  Like NUCLEAR POWER - what a good idea : /    >:(

if I had the money I would have my own solar panels and my own wind turbine.  But it would be impossible expensive for someone who struggles with her recent red fuel bill.

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