http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/12202.page Public Action http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#981224 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#981224 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#981212 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#981212 GMT A standard boycott won't effect the oil companies...Mainly because it'll be too short.

But one suggestion I heard was to boycott just ONE company...Exxon-Mobil because they're the largest. If we boycott them completely for 1 month it MAY have an effect. They will have to start lowering their prices to compete and everyone else will have to start lowering theirs.

Problem - It would take MILLIONS of people nation wide to pull this off..and I don't think it's possible.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#983076 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#983076 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975616 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975616 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975614 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975614 GMT
Probably not too many, I used to fly about 100K per year until I got really tied of flying and airports (especially with all the post-911 non-sense). I enjoy driving a lot more than flying and I would rather bill my clients for mileage and support my car habit than support united airlines.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975440 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975440 GMT
It's all about human nature - and sometimes we humans suck. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975438 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#975438 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#974418 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#974418 GMT
In two weeks I need to drive "to work" from CO to NC, if I drive more slowly it may take quite a bit longer. (-;]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972830 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972830 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972627 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972627 GMT
No, the only way consumers will affect fuel prices is by driving less and/or buying more fuel efficient cars, and they will only do that when the cost gets high enough to make them want to do that. It hasn't happened yet, at least not since the 1970s.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972329 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972329 GMT Makes about as much sense a govt. stimulus plan which is all going into energy.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972263 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972263 GMT A three day fuel boycott will end the uncontroled rise in fuel prices 

What planet are you on? You should bone up on inelastic products because gasoline is one of them. Let me ask you this, at the end of your three day hiatis, what is the first thing you will do- buy gas perhaps? All you have done is delay the inevitable. Who do you think can afford to wait longer, you or the oil companies? Good luck on your gas strike. It'll work about as good as a hunger strike or holding your breath...]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971612 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971612 GMT
What we need to do is boycott by using %25 less gas and keep the boycott going for say...20 years.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971414 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971414 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971212 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971212 GMT
It's not that easy. There are also tolls in the equation.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972625 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972625 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972087 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#972087 GMT That's being done now in almost every state in the union. And what happens with the money is it keeps getting raided by other state projects. ALL TAXES GO INTO THE GENERAL FUND.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971420 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#971420 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#970213 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#970213 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#970212 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#970212 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#970029 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#970029 GMT Here is a novel idea - let's figure out what public road and bridge maintenance is costing. This maintenance is required because we are driving on the roads causing ware and tare - take that cost and distribute it over each gallon of fuel that is purchased (keeping in mind that heavy vehicles like tractor trailers and big trucks should be paying more per gallon as they do more wear to the infrastructure per mile driven). This will put the "real cost" of driving into the fuel and distribute it based on each persons contribution to the wear on the infrastructure.

Once people start understanding the REAL cost of driving - they will find ways to reduce.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967431 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967431 GMT
Partial because the average, long term price of oil is too low to justify the investment, These are very long term projects, it does not make much sense to begin these investments when the price of oil hits $100 if it might drop to $40 in a couple of years (like it did in the 90s). As long as it's cheaper to import it from elsewhere, that is what will happen. If you were on the board of directors, what would you do?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967438 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967438 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967417 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967417 GMT As far as the availability Toyota showroom is a good place to start. You can also visit Ford, Dodge, Porsche (just cuz of the stupid suv, love their other offerings though) and GM. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967211 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#967211 GMT
What's a "nicotene" and where can I get one before they are outlawed?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965031 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965031 GMT
If you want to raise awareness about the trucks and SUVs raise some money and run an ad campaign. Show how they are clumsy to drive, difficult to park and dont have to pass the same safety inspections like the other vehicles on the road. Show how they put other vehicles and pedestrians at risk by the poor visibility and high road clearence. And how 90% are used to compensate for the "tool".

But if someone wants to pass a law, by God I am going out and buying the biggest truck I can afford just to shove a thumb in their nose. Buy them up now before the evil empire takes them away from us.

Freedom is the right to choose. It could be the right thing or the wrong thing but the operative word here is "freedom".]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965022 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965022 GMT
FWIW, here's some info I wrote elsewhere on this site. Feel free to send it to your senators and congressmen!

Thanks,
PO

- Ethanol is a dead end. It is expensive to produce, and doesn't have a high enough energy density. If we were serious about biofuels, we'd use biodiesel and/or butanol (butanol has an energy density close to gasoline, and is hydrophobic so it is removed off the top of the fermenter, not distilled out like ethanol, so it's cheaper/easier to make)... and we'd make it from cellulose, not food!
- Did you know that 30% of the US corn crop is being used to make ethanol to meet 7% of our fuel needs... yup, if we used ALL of our corn we'd still be short by more than 75% (and starve)!
- Did you know that for what we are spending EACH DAY in Iraq we could remove 1 million homes from the 'fossil fuel grid' and provide them with energy from 100% renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.)? That's right, for what we spend during 6 months in Iraq, we could take ALL the homes in the US off the fossil fuel grid. NOW that's homeland security!
- If we were to take one year's worth of Iraq money and put it into development of renewable electricity, there would be such a surplus of electricity that it'd be SO cheap that we'd be nuts not to be driving plug-in hybrids!
- Did you know that the US gov't funds the "National Renewable Energy Laboratory" (NREL)... and that Bush has drastically cut their funding?! (Do I need to point out that he comes from oil money?)
- Did you know that wind turbines are so quiet that most people who oppose them have never actually been close to one. Those people who live near turbines will tell you that when it's windy you hear the wind, NOT the turbines!
- Did you know that research has shown that each wind turbine is responsible for killing ~1 bird/year... yes ONLY ONE! Thousands of times more are are killed by the pollution generated by fossil fuel electric plants, pet cats, glass windows, and cars.
- Did you know that there are school districts and communities that are erecting wind turbines and selling the electricity... and it drives their taxes WAY DOWN!
- I want wind and solar electricity!

Bring our soldiers home, let the Middle East fight amongst themselves and keep their darn oil.

PS Last year I switched my electrical supply to 'Community Wind'. My rates went up slightly, but by installing CFL my usage dropped so much that my bill went way down (so much so that the electric company sent someone to check my meter because they thought it was broken!).]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965019 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965019 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965026 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965026 GMT
I'm using my local clout... I send letters and emails to my local, state, and national elected officials, teach (HS, college, and retirees) on these topics, and post on discussion boards like this one. In my experience, the more people learn about these topics, the more they're astounded that we're not doing more!!!

Thanks,
PO]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965024 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965024 GMT
Right on...
I don't think people get how important their comunication with their US senators and congressmen of their state is.

That a US Rep. votes or supports something on the west coast that disagrees with how you feel on the East, is entirely dependent on his constituents and his re election.

You can't get upset at a Rep from Texas for supporting "big oil". Every geographic is different....you have to pressure those that are reponsible to you, not someone else.
WE ALL HAVE LOCAL CLOUT...use it.

California could be ALL ELECTRIC....Texas, diesel etc. It's local, not one size fits all but a mutiple solution problem and federal support for local differences. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#964946 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#964946 GMT
I think the entire amount and then some would be needed for mass transit infrastructure. It seems to me that bookkeeping for such a transfer would be quite costly, too.

"I am saddened however that most CITIZENS are unwilling and/or unable to have a similarly productive discussion of IMPORTANT issues (such as energy policy, health care, campaign reform, tax structure, etc.). I think this is a two pronged problem - 1) most people are not interested in these topics, 2) our educational system does not enable people to adequately inform themselves on these topics. I believe strongly that as citizens we have rights and, just as important, we have RESPONSIBILITIES, and informed and engaged citizenship is such a responsibility! Come on people... get on the ball - read the whole newspaper (not just the comics), take a class on government, get involved... PLEASE!!!"

I'm with you, friend. If we do nothing we get what we asked for - nothing. I am going to email my two senators and my congressmen to request that they introduce legislation that will expand the gas guzzler tax to all vehicles. The ones that need it most are the large SUVs and 2.5-ton pickups that are often personal transportation, not work trucks. And many of the work trucks are purchased for vanity rather than need. Many tradesmen don't need even the 1-ton pickup, but it isn't manly to buy the compact trucks. I know a welder that drives a 3500 Silverado. He doesn't carry his welding rig in the truck. His company owns the equipment and carries it there. He just wants a great, big, manly truck to drive around in. It seems to me that we should influence people to drive more fuel efficient cars if we are going to increase the CAFE to 36 MPG.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963427 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963427 GMT
The first politician who suggests this tax gets my vote (and campaign contribution)!

PS I live in NY, and for the past week everyone's been talking about the stupid thing our governor did. I am saddened however that most CITIZENS are unwilling and/or unable to have a similarly productive discussion of IMPORTANT issues (such as energy policy, health care, campaign reform, tax structure, etc.). I think this is a two pronged problem - 1) most people are not interested in these topics, 2) our educational system does not enable people to adequately inform themselves on these topics. I believe strongly that as citizens we have rights and, just as important, we have RESPONSIBILITIES, and informed and engaged citizenship is such a responsibility! Come on people... get on the ball - read the whole newspaper (not just the comics), take a class on government, get involved... PLEASE!!!]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963229 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963229 GMT Why shouldd my money go into your pocket because you decided to sit at home.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963215 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963215 GMT
Why not vent your frustrations by a little communial tree hugging ot something, in the meantime take your new gas tax, bore it, stroke it and jam it.
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963213 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963213 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963050 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#963050 GMT Last I checked, this is America. It's a free country that for 231 years has based its economy on a free market.

In general that is right, but as has been found a number of times and has been legislated for, when the number of buyers or sellers gets too small it is no longer a free market. This was true of telephones some years ago, but today technology changed the playing field and it is not almost a free market. Oil certain is not a free market. While it is not a monopoly, it certainly is an oligopoly and needs special government oversight. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#964933 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#964933 GMT "Last I checked, this is America. It's a free country that for 231 years has based its economy on a free market.  

If you think the oil company is a free market you need a reality check. When you have so few companies with a extremely LARGE and captive audience..it's IMPOSSIBLE to have a completely free market.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965056 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#965056 GMT
The government is definitely in the business of influencing people. That is a very large part of what it does. A completely free market would be a wild ride indeed. Look at the crazy markets we have had in finance, stocks and energy in the last decade. And that was not a completely free market. A free market would have no Securities and Exchange Commission to ensure that businesses tell the truth in financial reporting. Even with the SEC lying is rampant. It was so bad that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed to force corporate attorneys to rat-out on their employers or go to jail. Do you want to live in a world where corporate lying is worse than it is now?

I do not want the Feds in every corner of the business market, but they do need to protect us from excessive corporate greed. Not all corporate greed; it's what makes the world go around. We'll never have just the right amount of interference because no one knows what the right amount is. Influencing people to reduce fuel usage is appropriate to reduce the effects of a populace ignoring the ever-nearing and ominous effects of a huge trade deficit. We see it now with dollar devaluation and without some action by someone it could spiral out of control. Are you interested in double-digit inflation? You should be - it's coming soon without some kind of action.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#962217 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#962217 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#962027 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#962027 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#962211 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#962211 GMT
A time in our history when the price of oil is driven as much by our national debt/ trade deficit and devaluation of the dollar. Right now it's as much of a political issue as "supply and demand", the over used phrase to accept the state we are in as out of our control.

The US is out of money and in debt. and the oil producers are thinking seriously of trading in the euro instead of the dollar.

Get out you bikes and your sanpans, our banker the chinese are in control. Our only way out is sacrifice and at home technology.

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960324 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960324 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960314 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960314 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960309 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960309 GMT
And we thought govt. incompetence had no value....state run oil companies may be the final solution to saving the planet....I speak not in jest. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954228 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954228 GMT
OPEC members usually are not truthful about the size of their reserves; Saudi Arabia always tells the press they have lots of oil ready to go. Large International Oil Companies have often "mis-stated" their reserves in order to keep investor confidence high.

So, at present, US and European oil companies have lots of cash but not enough places to drill for oil. As a result, many are buying back their own shares, whereas they should be developing and replacing reserves.

There is lots of oil left; Canada has reserves almost equal to Saudi Arabia, but mostly in difficult to produce oilsands, requiring a lot of water and energy. Venezuela has enormous very heavy oil reserves as well. These are equally difficult to put into production. Chavez has difficulty in even keeping his existing fields producing; under his "leadership" Venezuela's oil production has gone from over 3 million barrelas per day to just over 2 million. This is the root of the problem.

The $100+ oil price makes all these difficult deposits economic, but there is a time lag in bringing these online, and foreign firms are often excluded from even participating in these oil plays.

Canada's oilsands, on the other hand have local and foreign investment, includin several US firms, and production will reach about 4 million barrels per day by 2012, a 300%increase.

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954220 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954220 GMT
I drive the speed limit and get 28.5 MPG on my commute in an Accord V6. I'm sure that if I drove faster that I would get poorer gas mileage. I tested this in an Impala on a business trip. I drove about 50 miles one way at 60 and the other direction at 70 MPH (speed limit). The car measures average fuel usage. I got 32 MPG at 60 MPH and 28 MPG at 70 MPH. I'll bet that just about any car would show a similar improvement at slower speeds.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960306 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#960306 GMT
Many, myself included, drive 5 to 10 mph over the limit. I was driving 60+ when it was 55 instead of 70 now when it's 65. I still remember we drove much slower. 55, not, but significantly less so as to make the "venture" worthwhile. It means that relief breaks have to be better planned. I do remember many more over 50 crowd taking up breakdown lane parking space.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954052 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954052 GMT
Not having read the book, I'm sure that somewhere it discussed the stated reserves that oil producers declare yearly to keep annual output as a % of those reserves. Saudi Arabia had verfied reserves years ago that are restated every year to keep thier production constant. They're not making anymore oil underground....the international community is always suspect of OPEC because of such practices. We really don't know what there long term capacity is; reason number 12 to be energy independent. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954051 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954051 GMT
An open minded and objective consideration of all that we enjoy in this country and what brought us to this "best of all possible worlds" might be enlightening.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954042 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/867810.page#954042 GMT