From Mark Perry's blog:
Why This Time Could Be Different: Rising Oil Prices Are Being Offset By Falling Natural Gas Prices
WSJ Blog -- "Soaring oil prices in the spring of 2008 sent gasoline prices surging and accelerated the recession. Now, rising gas prices are threatening the recovery. But lower natural gas and utility costs this time around might limit some of the damage, says Deutsche Bank chief U.S. economist Joseph LaVorgna.
I commented:
Given the abundance of natural gas, is there any doubt that CNG would be a natural choice as an alternative to oil-based vehicle fuels?
http://hallofrecord.blogspot.com/2012/01/natural-solution-to-energy-needs.html
The vehicle technology is proven and the ease of expanding distribution/refueling stations simply needs a concerted effort. $5/gal. gasoline might provide the push.Another comment stated:
Except that regulatory hurdles have ensured that the cost of converting a car to natgas is $6500 to $12,000, where in the absence of govt. meddling, it would be just $1000 (the price in many other countries).
What is absurd is that we will export one liquid fuel to Japan and India, while importing another liquid fuel from a similar distance.
To which I replied:
Of course it is government regulation and taxation that stand in the way of effective and efficient use of energy resources.
That's why Obama wants to reduce regulation. ;-}
Nevertheless, the future belongs more to direct energy sources for transportation than indirect [electric] sources which require $10,000 tax incentives. We just have to vote correctly.See also:
The Electric Brick
..