Sky-high gas prices may have silver lining

[Clear Blue Sky]

OTTAWA — Sky-high gas prices might be pinching people's pockets, but experts say the pain at the pump is benefiting governments - and maybe even the environment.
Black gold is filling tax coffers as crude oil prices surge, notes Calgary-based energy consultant Michael Ervin - and the higher prices may persuade more consumers to buy fuel-efficient vehicles.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i25Kb2PLoJNHmVMsHlboXIWo1VbQ

[iamjoy]

1. Heartless

This is why Liberals are accused of being elitist and out of touch. People can't afford to pay their bills and even the middle class is struggling to put food on the table (did you hear the report on NPR about mothers watering down baby formula when they can't get enough from the food bank)?

How is the middle class supposed to buy a new, more fuel efficient car if they don't have enough money for their mortgage and grocery bill?

All the same, there may be some truth to this. I realize this was a Canadian article, but Americans are too foolish to change their habits unless there is real economic incentive. I can't tell you how many times I have talked to people who say, "Oh, I just like a big car."

[Clear Blue Sky]

2. Many people don't react or change behavior unless faced with a crisis.

The point is that this current crisis may finally lead to a serious change in energy policy.

[izquierdista]

3. Changing habits

Even were they to buy a small, fuel-efficient car, they are still driving around in a car. Sixty years of building cities and suburbs that are pedestrian unfriendly has made it impossible to go about life in these United States without using a car. Contrast this to the situation in most European cities and towns, where being a pedestrian is no serious disadvantage. There, a car is definitely a luxury that one can buy AFTER necessities like food and shelter are taken care of. When they have to cut expenses, the car is the first place to look, not the last.

[sellitman]

4. No one is saying the high gas prices are good but ...

There are unintended side effects to high prices and that cannot be denied. When most people go out to buy their next vehicle chances are they will be looking at milage figures along with comfort needs and such. SUV sales are declining and car makers will be forced to adapt.