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No quick fixes left for energy problems

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By Charlotte Eby | Wednesday, July 2, 2008 6:03 PM CDT | () comments

Forget the war in Iraq — soaring gas prices have eclipsed other concerns as the most important political issue this fall.

Now that $4 gas seems to be the long-term reality rather than a short-term situation, Americans are looking for leadership that can help bring down prices and put their family’s budget back on track.

For many, a promise to develop renewable fuels for the future isn’t fast enough. They want relief from high gas prices now.

Some are chucking their gas-guzzling SUVs for more fuel-efficient cars. Urbanites are using public transportation more often.

But rural residents and others who live farther from work don’t have much choice but to pay higher fuel prices. The high cost of gas is wreaking havoc on their budgets, forcing them to cut spending on discretionary items, which also drags down the economy.

Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain has proposed lifting restrictions on off-shore drilling as a way to increase the country’s oil supply, a change from his previous stance. Critics argue that even if off-shore drilling increased dramatically, it would take years of production to bring down the price of gasoline.

McCain also had called for a sales tax holiday for the 18.4-cent per gallon federal gasoline tax this summer to give motorists a temporary break. Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama blasted that idea, saying it wouldn’t do that much to help motorists. Instead, Obama has pushed for increased fuel economy standards for cars, another long-term solution that will be sped up by marketplace demand rather than government mandates.

Voters will be looking for answers, but a quick fix will be hard to find. For too long, Americans have shunned the idea of conserving gas and energy and are now stuck with the consequences.

The country needs a president with a long-term vision for developing renewable energy and finding energy efficiencies. It’s a national discussion that’s been long overdue.

Charlotte Eby is Statehouse bureau chief for Lee Enterprises. Contact her at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.