As we look at the rush toward finding the best alternative fuels and the best ways to distribute them and provide choices for the American people and people in countries around the world, some things that may not be as obvious to us besides creating independence from fossil fuels are the additional benefits of this quest.

Of course, alternative fuel will cut or eliminate our dependence on foreign oil.  We also know that there are benefits to the environment for various reasons, especially lower or no emissions and more self-containment.

In addition, there are plusses for the economy and employment, which are inextricably linked.  With the economy in the shape it is in, some good news about economical improvement and more jobs is music to the ears of politicians and just plain everyday people.

Before we get too over-the-top excited, it is important to remember that this is not an overnight fix.  Though there are many organizations, corporations, cities, states and the federal government working diligently to find ways to develop fuel alternatives and some have already started their work – it will take time for the migration from fossil fuels to the “greener” alternatives to take place. 

Researchers estimate that it can take up to 2.5 to 3 decades for the transition to be complete, but along the way, at least 4.2 million jobs will be created, new training opportunities will exist, and additional jobs will be added along the way.  Jobs can involve every area from working on wind turbines for energy to creating alternative fuel – and everything in between.

In all, it is agreed by lawmakers and corporate executives alike that a concerted effort to use various forms of alternative fuel and energy and continue working hard to do this sooner rather than later will make a positive contribution to the environment, the economy and employment prospects from here forward.

It seems like just a few weeks ago there was loud groaning about how high fuel prices had gotten and how there was no end in sight.  Everyone from the public to lawmakers to economists was worried and even panicking.

Here we are a few weeks later and the situation has been going the opposite way.  The predictions were that the price of fuel would continue to rise as economic woes continued to get worse.  While forecasters were fanning the flames of fear, economists and others started warning that the fuel crisis and the economic crisis are linked – not just locally – but also globally. 

The issue now is that with stocks tumbling, real estate and mortgages falling apart and banks having to be rescued on a daily basis, it is impossible for oil prices to be separated out of the mix.

In the past week alone, the cost of crude per barrel has fallen over $6.00, to under $87.00.  In a period when gasoline was up over $4 per gallon a month or so ago with dire predictions about $5, $6, or $7 per gallon or higher being tossed about, it has been interesting to see how fast the price per gallon has plummeted to below $3.50 per gallon, and even more interesting that the predictions are that the price per gallon of regular gasoline will be less than $3 by the end of the next 30 days.

Some of the forecasters that have long term foresight have been issuing strong warnings that as the stock market and the economy get worse; the price of gas would go down.  People would not be able to afford to purchase it at the high prices during a severe economic downturn.  When the stock market is as volatile as it has been recently dropping between 500 and 800 points in one session and affecting global markets, there are definitely economic repercussions.  Europe is experiencing worry, fear and panic by its citizens because of the far-reaching effects of the economic problems.

Some of the only folks who might be experiencing a little extra relief are the auto dealers who sell large cars and trucks – and who have plenty sitting around because fuel was too high for people to purchase – or those who own large cars or trucks and were really feeling the pinch at the pump more than those with economical cars.

We are not out of the woods yet, and the economic and fuel crisis is not as simple as it may seem.  For now, we may be getting a break on gasoline, but keep your eyes peeled – there is more to this roller coaster ride than meets the eye.

Even the biggest airlines are not immune to the fuel crisis.  The fuel crisis is hitting average, every day drivers.  It is creating problems for the trucking industry.  Then there are the problems caused by those problems.  Transportation is costing more.  Food is costing more.  Life, in general, is costing more – a lot more. 

Things have gotten so expensive with the fuel crisis that people can’t get to work. Vacations are being cancelled because people can’t afford the gas and really can’t afford the plane tickets.  In London, bus lines are being deleted.  CNN and MSNBC have even reported that the price of beer is going up, no doubt due to the cost of fuel.  Countries that have rarely had issues in the past two or more decades are talking about rationing fuel.   

There is talk of drilling everywhere – onshore (all of the shores), off shore and in states from Utah to Alaska to Montana.  Then there are the oil reserves, which Congress keeps asking about using to get prices down at least a little.  This has become a real political situation as well as and economic and environmental one.

The latest issue is the airlines.  We know that there are huge fuel costs to fly planes.  The airlines are now reacting to the crunch.  They have already started charging for luggage and doing other things to offset their costs by charging passengers, but now the biggest airline in the United States is taking a huge step by creating a furlough for 200 or more pilots beginning in October.  Other airlines have greatly reduced the amount of backup fuel that they are carrying to save costs.  The problem with this tactic is that many say it puts passengers in danger.

The fuel crisis has affected every part of the economy, airlines included.  With the circumstances continuing to get more difficult, even affecting the largest airlines, we will all be watching continuously to see where this crisis hits next.