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August 31, 2005
The Last Day I'll Drive
Tomorrow is probably the last day I'll be driving to work for a while. I had already planned on riding MARTA in September (just need to buy a card) and sometime in October I'll be moving directly accross from a transit station so I'd be crazy not to then.
According to the Wall Street Journal, close to 15% of the US's gasoline supply is threatened because of the Katrina damage and aftermath. That's about evenly split between oil imports through New Orleans area ports and oil producers located in the region. That means we'll almost certainly be seeing $3 gas in the Atlanta area (regardless of whether our ability to obtain the gas is threatened, which it currently is).
Here's what will probably happen: Gas prices will rise to $3 or even higher and demand will not cool. After all, energy conservation is a sign of personal virtue but not public policy. What happens next is that the market will probably not cool down. If the suppliers determine that people are just as willing to pay $3 or $3.50 or $4 per gallon as they were back when gas was $1, what incentive do they have to lower prices?
The only solution to this problem ultimately will be for drastic changes. On the personal level, that means transportation alternatives (subway, bus, carpool, driving less) and on the political level that means a new focus on energy alternatives, increased fuel efficiency and leadership that's willing to actually lead instead of look out for it's buddies by enforcing the status quo at all costs.
With elections approaching this year and next, every single incumbent should be worried.
Posted by Chris at August 31, 2005 01:42 AM
Comments
Drastic changes in public policy to enhance public transit? Works for me!
Posted by: drzachary ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.chrisishardcore.com//nav-commenters.gif)
at August 31, 2005 09:34 AM
Well, Chris welcome to my world of public transit.
MARTA cards are only $52.50 a month for unlimited rides, and when you think of how much people spend on gas, $52.50 doesn't sound half bad.
Posted by: Andre at August 31, 2005 09:38 AM
Congratulations on not driving! I wish I had the option, but I live in Cobb and work in Norcross, tough luck!
Don't you think that demand for 3-4 dollar gas will eventually decrease demand? At least personally, I'm willing to pay those kind of prices for the summertime, knowing that there's been a catastrophic reduction in the American oil supply. If the big gas companies don't lower rates, there could be an opening in the market for new distributors who can offer lower rates. And if not, people will start voting out their legislators--not because the legislators aren't progressive enough on transportation, but because they are unable to enforce the earlier gas prices.
Posted by: LeftTheCapitol at August 31, 2005 02:02 PM
And how are you getting to the station? (I suppose after you move, walking will be far easier.)
And are you having Aimee buy you a student pass?
Posted by: MEM at September 1, 2005 12:53 PM
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