Oil habit hard to break, experts say...political will is in question, panel finds

[jpak]

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/experts-see-no-quick-fix/story.aspx?guid=%7B7E51FE09-8059-45BA-94FC-BC3C65E3F37D%7D

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Energy experts agreed Thursday the U.S. won't wean itself off imported oil any time soon even in the face of growing national-security threats in the Middle East and concern about global warming.

With congressional power switching to the Democrats starting next year, policy makers said raising any taxes for new energy subsidies would be difficult and quick action on the federal level will be unlikely, partly out of fear that the price of oil could fall in the short term.

Panelists at the National Symposium of America's Energy Future diverged on energy solutions, which ranged from a push for more nuclear power plant to a carbon tax credit for companies who pollute less.

Other potential fixes include a combination of solar energy, biofuels such as ethanol and stronger energy measures from federal lawmakers, who haven't passed a major energy bill since 2005.

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[Ezlivin]

1. A habit's hard to break when you don't think you've got a problem

Very few people believe we have a problem and many of those are "cargo cultists" who think our technology will save the day.

The idea of finite resources seems to be lost on most modern Americans. They understand that the cost may go up, but the idea of scarcity is unimaginable.

Reality can give you quite a bitch-slap.

[4dsc]

2. Shop, spend and waste

I was watching the TV today and all the finacial news is about the 'CONSUMER" and how they effect the economy as a whole.. The consumer is not aware of the problems they will cause for future generation because its all about the NOW!! Here and now!! They don't care about the future of their children much less their own.. Peak oil cannot come soon enough for me.. Let god sort out the mess..