Quote:
Originally Posted by erps
Just one note or observation, let's just use the 5% number of today's consumption for argument's sake. I hear what you're saying CD, I would just point out that I think in 15 years there's a pretty good chance that the price of oil will be so high, that we'll already be using other energy sources and using oil a lot more efficiently. That 5% ratio will be a totally different ratio 15 years from now, maybe it will be 50% by then, who knows.
|
I agree... 15 years, it will be unbelieveable high. We may have already reached peak output (if you know whta that is, if not go back a few pages I presented links to it). What we use as a country is only a piece of the puzzle. China and India are growing quickly. You might find them dictating the value/use of oil more than us in the future. All the more reason to get off of it.
However, you will not have anything in 15 years if you do not make a real, concerted effort now. NOW... and that does not mean spending 15 years to suck out ANWR to save a nickel. That would, on a high estimate (assuming 1:1 crude to gas... impossible) mean .20/gallon. That is paying $3.80 for gas now instead of $4.00. Big freaking deal. That ain't going to help my checkbook one bit and I drive a F-150!!!
To use your own argument against you, what if 15 years ago (1995) we had focused on building nuke plants and invested in solar and wind and ethanol (or other things)??? I mean a real, distinct effort to get off of it while oil was CHEAP! Maybe it would not be hurting so bad now.
What always happens in America is a knee-jerk reaction. Oil is high and everyone wants a immediate fix. DRILL....DRILL... DRILL... it will make no difference. Instead of kicking ourselves for not drilling 15 years ago, we should be kicking ourselves for not taking action to get off of foreign energy 15 years ago when it would not have hurt. Now it hurts. Unfortunately, you don't learn how not to fall unless you fall a few times.