My LTTE - Environmentalists easy, but wrong, target.

[Sal316]

Lately there has been an onslaught of letters blaming 'whacko environmentalists' for the recent surge in gas prices. While these letters are long on rhetoric, they are short on fact. Yes, it's true that a US refinery hasn't been built since 1976. Yes, it's true that the number of refineries has decreased since the elimination of subsidies during the Reagan years. However, this is only half of the story.

Advancements in technology have allowed refiners to increase capacity and efficiency. This, in turn, has allowed for increased refining output every year since the first US refinery was built. We currently refine 17mbpd, equalling US consumption. These same advancements have resulted in lowering the environmental impact of the refining process. Gas prices are influenced by the price of crude oil, which is traded as a 'future'. The war in Iraq, increased instability in the middle east, the Bush Administration's posturing over Venezuela and Iran, and increased demand from China affect crude futures exponentially more than your local Greenpeace chapter.

As far as blaming 'whacko environmentalists', we were created to be stewards of the earth. Labeling those that do as 'whackos' surely isn't a very Christian attitude.

Sincerely,
Christian S.
Mesa, AZ

[NewJeffCT]

1. Good letter

was it published, or are you submitting the letter?

[Sal316]

2. It's being submitted.

I just popped my cork this morning when my local paper had another 'it's the whacko environmentalists' fault letter.

I've had enough. I'm tired of the absolute crap that passes as GOP talking points going unanswered. I got into a 'spirited debate' with my boss over Iraq/Iran a couple of days ago. When he said 'that's your opinion', I nearly lost it.

I remember thinking "There's this place called the library and this thing called the internet. Try using them sometime."

:D