Major Alaskan oil field shutting down

[cwerdna]

Well, this isn't directly Prius related, but maybe today is a good time to fillup or top off?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060807/ap_on_..._field_shutdown

It's on the front page of Yahoo right now. I just went and filled up my Z even though it's only 1/2 empty. I'm about to head out to and will fillup my Prius on the way out. I'd imagine that gas prices might suddenly jump tonight or tomorrow.

[dragonfly]

Dare I say it?..... This is good news. Higher oil prices are good. Something needs to shake up the people. This is only way the technology will get pushed. Go ahead & flame. :P

[rufaro]

Guess I am glad I filled up the Pri earlier today...at $3.10/gallon...

[ivfarmboy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dragonfly @ Aug 6 2006, 08:26 PM) [snapback]298848[/snapback]</div>

Dare I say it?..... This is good news. Higher oil prices are good. Something needs to shake up the people. This is only way the technology will get pushed. Go ahead & flame. :P
[/b]

I don't know if we should gloat? Whether we own Prius's or not we need that oil because the areas we will need to go to get its replacement are the Mideast or Venezuela, not the most American friendly areas (not to mention they are at capacity). I agree that Americans don't pay nearly what it costs for gasoline but there are a lot of people out there that cant afford a Prius or comparative, why punish them? Unfortunately this country is so mired with wars and deficits that there is no energy policy. Just raising gas prices isn't a plan and hurts the middle class and working poor harder than anybody, especially at a time when other pressures are squeezing them. Let me tell you that there isn't a person out there that I talk to that isn't feeling the gas price squeeze but they also cant afford to just trade in their cars for a Prius, not to mention there are not enough Prius's. Sorry for the soapbox, just dont think there needs to be anymore shaking, so to speak...

[r53]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GreenFarmBoy @ Aug 7 2006, 12:05 AM) [snapback]298881[/snapback]</div>

I don't know if we should gloat? Whether we own Prius's or not we need that oil because the areas we will need to go to get its replacement are the Mideast or Venezuela, not the most American friendly areas (not to mention they are at capacity). I agree that Americans don't pay nearly what it costs for gasoline but there are a lot of people out there that cant afford a Prius or comparative, why punish them? Unfortunately this country is so mired with wars and deficits that there is no energy policy. Just raising gas prices isn't a plan and hurts the middle class and working poor harder than anybody, especially at a time when other pressures are squeezing them. Let me tell you that there isn't a person out there that I talk to that isn't feeling the gas price squeeze but they also cant afford to just trade in their cars for a Prius, not to mention there are not enough Prius's. Sorry for the soapbox, just dont think there needs to be anymore shaking, so to speak...
[/b]

I agree with you. I was reading a story about dining out and the gas prices have affected the way people do that. Instead of buying a decent meal some will go fast food instead because the high cost of gas. So while people are upset at the higher prices they rob from peter to pay paul.

[dragonfly]

You make a good point, and I agree with you. But we have much bigger problems on our hands (global warming and dependency on foreign oil) and it's just not going to get better until the gas prices go up. The BEST solution would be for the government to STOP providing tax incentives to the worst offenders, and require the auto makers to improve their mileage. But obviously that's not going to happen with this administration. So the next best thing is higher gas prices, which will drive consumer demand for higher MPG. I see in the pole: Why do YOU drive a Prius?, the majority are answering because of MPG. The pole does not discriminate between those who want higher MPG because of economical reasons vs. those driven by political reasons. Speaking for myself, I surely did not save money by bying a Prius. Improving the technology will benefit all of us. The poor SHOULD definitely get a break though -- how about raising minimum wage for Pete's sake? (Am I smug enough for ya?)

[eagle33199]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dragonfly @ Aug 7 2006, 10:13 AM) [snapback]299012[/snapback]</div>

how about raising minimum wage for Pete's sake? (Am I smug enough for ya?)
[/b]

there is a bill out right now about raising it... may not be the best idea.

Raising the minimum wage can only result in inflation as prices increase to return profit margins to pre-hike levels. Adjusting this federal mandate has no sustainable impact on the standard of living afforded to our lowest paid, legal workers. This increase is also a ridiculous percentage. It’s a very bad idea at a time when the economy is struggling with rising fuel costs. Why would we ask for a 1-2 punch?

One thing about this bill is that it overturns state laws requiring that tipped workers receive the same or similar minimum wage as grocery store baggers. It could effectively decrease wages for a number of Americans, just to get good press before mid-term elections.

[hyo silver]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GreenFarmBoy @ Aug 7 2006, 01:05 AM) [snapback]298881[/snapback]</div>

...I agree that Americans don't pay nearly what it costs for gasoline...Unfortunately this country is so mired with wars and deficits that there is no energy policy...
[/b]

War *is* America's energy policy.

[dragonfly]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Aug 7 2006, 10:19 AM) [snapback]299019[/snapback]</div>

Raising the minimum wage can only result in inflation as prices increase to return profit margins to pre-hike levels.
[/b]

Uh-huh. So everbody else enjoys pay raises year after year while the poor (who provide much of the labor on which our profits and lifestyles depend) remain stagnant. Why should the rest of us suffer just so the poor can get a couple more bucks in their paycheck?

Adjusting this federal mandate has no sustainable impact on the standard of living afforded to our lowest paid, legal workers. This increase is also a ridiculous percentage.
[/b]

When was the last raise to minimum wage? How much has the cost of living gone up since then?

It’s a very bad idea at a time when the economy is struggling with rising fuel costs. Why would we ask for a 1-2 punch?
[/b]

Ok, so let's continue to pour money into an unnecessary and mis-managed war, give tax breaks to the rich, and ignore the root of the problem.

[dbermanmd]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dragonfly @ Aug 6 2006, 11:26 PM) [snapback]298848[/snapback]</div>

Dare I say it?..... This is good news. Higher oil prices are good. Something needs to shake up the people. This is only way the technology will get pushed. Go ahead & flame. :P
[/b]

agree with you - the trick is not higher higher prices, it is keeping oil above $60/barrel

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Aug 7 2006, 11:37 AM) [snapback]299028[/snapback]</div>

War *is* America's energy policy.
[/b]

If it were, gas would be $.50 a gallon here. Why is Iraqi oil being sold to the open market at market price then?

You really cant believe that can you??

And Islam is a religion of peace and tranquility that insures equal rights for all its believers and encourages open and free expressions of thought and opinions; is respectful of other beliefs and wishes to coexist in harmony with the world around it?