This is a really good thread. I think all of you are right in part. There is one thing missing from the discussion - failure of LEADERSHIP. There has been no comprehensive energy policy in the US for how many decades? This is the biggest piece of the problem. The oil company execs are doing what their shareholders demand - maximize profits now. They cannot be trusted to develop alternative fuels unless they can control them. Why should they? Consumers have not been concerned because they either haven't been paying attention and/or energy has been so cheap they haven't cared. Why should they?

Shouldn't our government be balancing the competing interests of business and citizens for cheap/plentiful energy but also providing the incentives to develop alternative fuels so we can continue to be economically strong, even after the oil runs out in 2-4 decades (peak oil production is estimated to occur anywhere from 2015 to 2045).

I for one am extremely disappointed there is not a comprehensive crash program (like Apollo in the 1960's) to develop alternative fuels so when the peak is reached our kids and grand kids won't have to go to war to keep the lights on.

Alden Bowles
2005 Toyota Prius II HSD