Gas prices and conservation

[B D]

The only way for America to promote conservation of fuels and the use of eco friendly cars is to raise gas prices. Everyone wants cheap gas and mileage friendly cars but they won't act as consumers until prices rise. If we paid the same a other nations per gallon ($5) consumers would act and start to drive less, buy more efficient cars, and air pollution would decrease.

If we had to pay $5 a gallon would we all drive smaller cars in the US just like Europe and would we ride scooters? Yes!

So does the US want higher gas prices and not really know it? Maybe? If gas stays cheap there is no reason to change your gas guzzling ways!

I'll be honest gas prices don't matter that much to me, both cars get over 20 MPG and I am 6 miles from work.

[widebody911]

Originally posted by B D
I'll be honest gas prices don't matter that much to me, both cars get over 20 MPG and I am 6 miles from work.

And of course on your little commune, you're completely self-sufficient, so you don't buy food, or parts, or anything else made from petrochemicals or that has to be shipped...

Lucky you!

[campbellcj]

Frankly, at least here in L.A., I am not sure that there would be a huge impact on human behavior whether gas is $1.50, $2.50 or $4.00 or whatever. Hell, everyone around here is paying $3.2xx or $3.3xx for Premium (91oct crap) right now, and traffic still sucks! Existence here is virtually synonymous with a 1-car, 1-person mode of transportation. Disregarding cultural factors, there are few other realistic options anyway.

Reality is that only unavailability and/or artificial rationing, ideally coupled with relatively attractive options in fuels or transportation methods, will make a difference in this city and many others similar to it.

[B D]

Let me continue to play devils advocate and put some focus on the topic what about raising gas prices to consumers and keeping diesel (commercial fuel) cheap. Basically heavily taxing consumer gas and not diesel as most European nations. I don't support raising gas prices but buying gas for $1.50 a gallon is history and the prices will continue to rise.

And even in LA people in Large SUV's with 40 gallon tanks are feeling the pain of $3 a gallon. Dealers have reported sales of SUVs are down and sales are up on vehicles that get high MPG.

[Eric 951]

I second keeping Diesel cheap, since my DD is a diesel.
Scooters??

[carnutzzz]

[carnutzzz]

That picture kills me.

Seriously though, your thinking has so many flaws I don't even know where to start.

The picture will have to suffice for now.

[Rot 911]

I personally think that the higher prices are just short term and will drop back into the $2.20 range within the next year.

[BGCarrera32]

Originally posted by Kurt V
I personally think that the higher prices are just short term and will drop back into the $2.20 range within the next year.

Gee, great. Still a dollar higher than a year ago.

[turbo6bar]

Fuel was a $1.20 last year?

[Dixie]

I'll be honest gas prices don't matter that much to me, both cars get over 20 MPG and I am 6 miles from work

Nothing personal, but...

I bet you drive that six miles to work, don't you? You should walk, or ride the bus. You're more wasteful than those who commute 50 miles a day. They have no alternatives. You do.
I think what should be done is that those who live within ten miles of work should pay $15.00/gallon in taxes. That will encourage the use of mass transit.

Now, before you get all bent at my suggestion, let me net out what I'm getting at. People always think they have great solutions (like taxing gas more) as long as they're not affected.

[Westy]

Maybe someone could explain something to me here,,,,,Isn't hydro-electric power like 15% of our nations power? And doesn't COAL burning account for around 60 or 65% of our nations electricity? And doesn't coal polute more than fossil fuel? OK, even if my percentages are a wee bit off, is there any logic here.

Edit: This is not sarcasm, this is a legitimate ?. Even though it comes from me!

[gaijindabe]

If the goal is to reduce consumption, the only real way is to raise the cost. Folks are not going to drive less or get into more fuel efficient cars (and trucks) without an incentive. Or rather, disincentive.

So the question is - is reduced oil consumption a worthy goal?

I look around the world at the Iranians, the Saudis, the Chavezs and the rest of OPEC - and think it might be a good idea.

[BGCarrera32]

Originally posted by turbo6bar
Fuel was a $1.20 last year?

This time last year 87 was in the $1.19-$1.29 range in MN.

[turbo6bar]

I can't even remember that far back, but I recall $1.60-1.80 for diesel.

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp

According to them, prices are up around 80 cents to $1

I agree with the guy from Brooklyn, even if it does stall the economy in the near-term.

[Dixie]

If the goal is to reduce consumption...

Wouldn't a better goal be to maximize everyone's standard of living, and let the free market dictate consumption?

[vash]

money is the best motivator. hell, san francisco once setup a toilet exchange program. you turn in the old water guzzler, and picked up a new low flow. same with low flow shower heads. you got one in the mail. free.

i see where BD is going. look at compact fluorescent bulbs, they are more expensive than incandescent. it took an energy crises, and the cost of the bulbs to seriously drop to get anyone to pick any up. no way you can compete with those 4packs of cheapbulbs for 99cents. i think if gas prices go up, then the manufacturers will make cars more gas efficient. they follow the demand of the consumers. who cares if gas is $10 per gallon if our cars get 5x the gas mileage. the only winner is the enviornment. the rest is a push.