[DaveE]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

It's not breaking news.

How about these 4 talking points to get back on topic?

1) People are going hungry thanks to "alternative" fuel programs sponsored by Al.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_Policy_Act_of_2005

Law was introduce in 2005 Republican Congress, signed by Bush

2) Fuel costs break new records almost daily thanks to a lack of exploration & new production.

Can't find it now but there was a thread last week regarding the Exxon Mobil Meeting where they announced they weren't interested in increasing production. Besides, my guess is if they did OPEC would simply cut back THEIR production.

3) A lack of production capacity has resulted from refusal to allow new refineries.

Isn't it true that as the oil giants swallowed up the small producers in the early '90s they CLOSED refineries?

4) Halting nuclear power contributes to the picture as does refusal to look at coal liquification.

Agreed, we need to increase nuclear energy capacity but I have concerns about private corporations, lack of responsibility. Coal liquification has been dissed here by those much more knowledgeable than me based on the assumption that it is only feasable above a certain price per barrel and OPEC could easily lower the price once the investment was made.