Why Gas Should Be Four Dollars a Gallon

Last night I found a gas station advertising $1.69/a gallon. I can't believe how rapidly gas prices have declined in the last six months. I remember when I dreaded going to the gas pump. I own a 2007 Ford focus and I get close to 34mpg but it was still hard for me to drop the $40+ it cost to fill my tank every week or so. I believe that it's a combination of the low economy and our efforts to conserve gas that have caused this wonderful phenomenon. The price for a barrel of oil has plummeted and consumers have begun demanding hybrid or at least fuel efficient vehicles. The United States seems to be on its way toward the future of energy.

My only concern is those people who believe that now that gas prices are low gas conservation isn't a priority. I work in the automotive industry and I hear a lot of talk about big trucks making a come back. Or I overhear a conversation about how it's okay to waste gas again because it's affordable. This kind of mindset is only going to lead us right back where we were in July.

So what can we do about it? My suggestion is to raise gas prices. Not so the oil companies can make more profits but in the form of a gas tax that raises funds for research on clean energy and other government projects. By simply imposing a flat rate of around $100/a barrel for oil, the government would be able to raise revenue when the price of oil drops. I realize this is an alternative that many people might not like but I also know that it is important to find new sources now before we destroy the earth or run out (whichever comes first.)

I realize asking everyone to pay $4/a gallon won't be a very popular idea and if we cant impose an actual price hike than Americans need to at least pretend gas is too expensive to use excessively and frivolously. As long as we keep our sights set on conserving fuel, and money, gas prices will continue to fall or will stay where they are. The last thing we need is to resume our "regular" and very wasteful usage. It's important for our wallets and our futures.

If you want more information about what we can do to really make a difference and keep our planet livable for posterity I would recommend reading Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America by Thomas L. Friedman. In his book he offers a lot of hard hitting facts about where our current consumption levels are leading and what we can do to create viable and green solutions to global pollution.