Just as I predicted, gas prices . . .

[Steve Fine]

The bottom line: "we are still not using anywhere near 100% capacity of existing refineries."

Environmental Regulations aren't to blame for the high price of gas. Increasing world demand and a looming shortage of cheap to refine crude oil, along with concerns about the vulnerablity of some of the leading supplers have driven the price of crude up to stay, maybe they will go down a bit, but the long-term outlook is for higher prices.

Irronically, the Iraq war has also raised the price of crude too.

Concerns about global warming will most likley (if humanity is smart enough) lead to taxes on activities that release carbon into the atmosphere.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Steve Fine

The bottom line: "we are still not using anywhere near 100% capacity of existing refineries."... Concerns about global warming will most likley (if humanity is smart enough) lead to taxes on activities that release carbon into the atmosphere.

Hi,

You make a very good point. Many on this board aren't convinced of Global Warming. I remain somewhat skeptical as well, I don't think all the science has weighed in yet.

But, the disruption to the Carbon Cycle is definitely real and very measurable. For instance, Gasoline (at 72°) weighs 6.25lbs./gal. Gasoline is also composed of about 80% Carbon. This means that for every gallon of gasoline you consume, you are putting 5 lbs. (80% of 6.25) of Carbon into the atmosphere, think of throwing a 5 lb. bag of charcoal out the window every 17-21 miles!

Now whether this is effecting Global Warming or not is debatable, but certainly it is having some effect...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99