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.

Hurricanes are usually bad news to homeowners and businesses in their paths.  We have seen the overwhelming results – especially since hurricane Andrew did so much damage in the early 1990’s.  Since then, it seems that there have been more hurricanes of greater magnitude leaving greater destruction in their wake. 

The folks that live in the southeastern United States have been hit with multiple hurricanes one after the other and have had a difficult time just beginning to try to recover.  Now, on top of the grueling recovery, there is a severe fuel shortage that has hit the area as well. 

Because oil production had to be temporarily halted due to the storms, many areas in the southeast are playing catch up.  In Sandy Springs, GA, a mail carrier went twelve miles out of his way to get to a gas station that had gasoline to sell.  When he got to the station, he had to wait in line for 40 minutes to be able to get to the pump and purchase gas for his mail truck.  As they say, neither sleet, nor snow nor hail nor rain…not gas shortages.  The mail will get through. 

Many drivers are reporting having to go to several gas stations that are out of gas before they find one that has gas, and then they must wait in long lines to be able to purchase the gas they need.  The refineries had to shut down in advance of the hurricanes and it takes a while for them to get pumps up and flowing and online again.  Some of the refineries are still not up and running yet.

In addition to this delay, the U.S. Department of Energy states that even before the hurricanes, gas inventories were at their lowest levels since 1967.  On the other hand, there are some supplies of fuel getting through to the area, but the governor of Georgia feels that part of the shortage is self-induced because people are panicking and rushing out to purchase all the gas they can, which artificially increases the demand on an already thin supply.

In the weeks to come, everyone from the governors to lawmakers to the Department of Energy predict that fuel supplies will get back to normal.  They – as well as consumers – are looking much more carefully at ways to implement alternatives sooner rather than later, now that they know just what the combination of the aftermath of hurricanes and severe weather plus fuel shortages actually feels like.

It’s no secret.  We’re in a fuel crunch reminiscent of the 1970’s.  The difference is that since we didn’t do some of the things to follow up after the 70’s and 80’s, the crunch is bigger and there are many more cars and other vehicles involved.  To top that, since we are in the midst of just about the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression, the fuel situation is simply one of the critical issues we are facing.

Lawmakers and automakers have begun talking about how working together might help everyone and everything out of the entire mess.  It is essential that since the country did not take the warnings of the 70’s and 80’s seriously and begin to make changes, the time to make those changes is now.

People cannot afford fuel at current prices.  In addition, the United States uses 25% of the world’s fuel, but only controls about 3%, not a good combination.  The environment is also being affected by fossil fuels and autoworkers are losing jobs because all of a sudden, there is no fuel for gas-guzzling SUV’s so nobody is buying.  It’s like dominos, or, as the President said recently, “a house of cards.”

What if the lawmakers in their power to help bail everybody else out – including other countries (even ones who have attacked this country) started really helping the automakers make the changes necessary to control the fuel crisis?  For instance, subsidies or tax incentives for producing hybrids and other cars that are more fuel efficient and do not depend on fossil fuels to run, could help failing automakers stay in business.  This help could also keep thousands of autoworkers from losing jobs and possibly create thousands of additional jobs, strengthening the economy.

At the other end of the spectrum, creating incentives and making it easier for individuals to get car loans with lower interest rates (without being careless or ridiculous), would help wean people out of their fossil fuel cars and into alternatives that would be good for the environment and the economy, as well as the fuel crisis.  Helping people convert cars to be able to use ethanol if possible could also be another way to approach the situation.

These are but a few small ideas from a few individuals among the millions who are hurting from the fuel crisis and the economic crisis we are all currently dealing with.  Maybe they would be workable ideas.  Maybe not.  But working together to save jobs, put money into the economy, find and use alternatives for fossil fuel and help the environment at the same time can’t be all bad.

We all know that we are in the midst of a fuel mess.  Not enough fuel.  No way to get it fast enough.  No real plan in place.  You know the deal.  So, what is the answer to solving the crisis?  In a few words, there are a lot of suggestions but not one answer.

At the Republican National Convention there were loud chants of “Drill, baby drill!”  To some, this seems like a good idea, and it may or may not be.  The issues that have come up from both sides of the aisle regarding drilling are that drilling takes a long time to set up.  There is the task of finding the right spot, ecological studies, permits, test drilling, building platforms and more.  Experts, researchers and many others say that it would take nearly 10 years to see any usable fuel from new drilling.

Since right now, the United States has about 3% of the world’s oil but uses well over 25% of the world’s fuel, waiting 10 years doesn’t seem like a helpful short-term option.  This is not to say that drilling should not be part of the equation to address the fuel crisis.  It is to say that other forms of fuel and energy need to be researched and probably combined into a complete plan that will evolve over time.

There are ways to use ethanol and biofuels in certain cars now.  Production could be increased on these cars and incentives could be given to both the automobile manufacturers and the individuals who purchase these autos in an effort to offset costs for both.  Change of this magnitude is not free, and it’s not cheap, either.

There are cars that are already hybrid and cars using solar and electric power.  Other cars in the wings are hydrogen cell powered.  All of these are less harmful to the environment and will conserve energy and eliminate the need for at least some amount of fossil fuels.  Some of these are being used now, and their use can be increased with the right marketing and incentives.

Researchers are looking at ways to use recycled solid waste to power cities and transportation.  There are ways to use nuclear energy to create power, and we have been doing this for decades.

As for drilling, those who say that it won’t work also say that most of the usable oil is located within 50 miles of the shoreline, but the new energy plan, if passed, will not allow drilling any closer than 50 miles of the shoreline, so there may not be many oil rich areas out there, according to some.  Also, even though the lawmakers will allow the moratorium on drilling to lapse so that the possibility of drilling can become a reality, it ultimately remains up to the individual states as to whether they will approve it or not.

Drilling is a viable option and should not be dismissed.  The current fuel crisis was not created overnight, and just like losing weight after gaining it over a period of time, the solution will not be finalized over night either.

For many years there have been efforts to keep oceans clean and to clean them up and eliminate waste in them if they are not clean.  We often think of waste as small items such as trash, soda cans and bottles and other items that end up overboard – accidentally or not.

There is a much larger issue when it comes to waste in our waters and an organization called “Fishing For Energy” is doing something on a large scale to help eliminate the problem.

Fishing For Energy is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), Covanta Energy in New England, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Snitzer Steel Industries, Inc. to help communities along the nation’s coastlines eliminate or reduce the amount of abandoned fishing gear in coastal waters.

The way the partnership works is that it collects abandoned fishing gear and debris in cooperation with and with assistance from local fishermen.  Gear collected includes abandoned nets, crab pots, poles, and parts, as well as trawl gear.  This gear is a threat to marine life, navigation and ecology, so cooperation in eliminating it is essential to the health of the oceans and the coastal communities that depend upon them.

Not only is there cooperation with each town and the fishermen who fish in the coastal waters to remove debris, but there is also a concerted effort to eliminate fishermen from using outdated or abandoned gear that is no longer fit for use by fisheries.

All of the debris is collected and taken to Covanta’s Renewable Waste Energy facilities to be turned into energy that is renewable and environmentally sustainable.

This program is being used in several communities now, with plans to greatly expand and help communities throughout the country and throughout the world.  With innovative programs such as this one, it is encouraging to know that we can find environmentally friendly sources of energy and clean up the environment at the same time.

With the fuel crisis looming large around the world, people everywhere are looking for answers and solutions.  Those of us who are not mechanically minded or do not have scientific backgrounds can simply do some research, do our part to conserve and hope that the folks who know how to make science work will be able to come up with viable solutions to the problem.

One man, a former Chrysler Canada employee in Windsor, Canada, has not waited.  He has taken his knowledge and put it to good use. 

The result is an electromagnetic piston motor that will eliminate dependence on oil and reduce greenhouse emissions at the same time.  Its inventor, Michael Axford says that there are no fuel tanks, fuel lines or exhaust systems in the vehicle, but all other parts of it are the same as in any other car.

Basically, there is a spool in the center of the cylinder head and it is wrapped with copper coils.  When the key is turned to start the engine the battery sends voltage to the coil which makes the coil electromagnetic.  As a result, instead of using spark plugs, the pistons are driven by the magnet.

Other cars that work along these same lines are being created by other companies and individuals, but Axford says that his is unique from the rest because his uses magnets of identical polarity and the force that they create is strong enough to drive the pistons through the cylinder to make the car run.

Currently, Axford has a Mexican patent on the car and a patent pending in Canada.  He says that magnets are strong enough to run cars, especially since they are used to pull trains, which are much heavier.  He plans to retro fit his motor to a Saturn and begin doing demonstrations to show what his engine can do.  He will be offering the engine to the three major auto manufacturers and, if accepted, will work on production deals with them.

There are some skeptics, but even they have said that the best way to find out if this will work is to finish building it and see what happens.

Even though prices for fuel have gone down a bit during the past few weeks, the fuel crisis is still alive and well.  After all, we are still looking for alternative fuel sources as well as taking less vacations and trying to conserve on our driving. 

There are huge issues as far as the airlines are concerned, as well.  After all, the gas tanks on airplanes are so much larger than the ones on our cars. 

We are looking at alternatives for fuel everywhere.  Plants are being seriously considered.  Vegetable oils, steam and other substances are being tested, tried, experimented with and looked at closely to try to end dependence on fossil fuels. 

Biodiesel and other eco friendly, sustainable and renewable fuels are being looked at closely as alternatives to the fuels that we have relied on through the end of the 20th century.  As we move further into the 21st century, we are moving forward toward alternatives that will do a better job for all of us in the future.

The airline industry is pursuing alternative fuels that can be created at home rather than being purchased abroad.  Ongoing studies have yielded ideas for these alternatives, but most of them are still being developed.  Unfortunately, it is essential to find alternatives that will work now. 

Jet engines run on kerosene but can be retrofitted to run on other fuels, such as hydrogen.  There is a logistical problem with this, however, in that in order for jets to run on hydrogen, they would have to be fitted with massive tanks for the fuel.  In today’s economy, that might be an overwhelming financial issue.

There are synthetic fuels available, notably from South Africa, using coal as a base.  Because these synthetic fuels are blends and work like actual jet fuel, planes will not have to be redesigned to use this fuel source.  Numerous American companies are now creating these fuels and will be able to provide millions of gallons in the near future.  Another biofuel made from tree oil will be tested this spring b several of the major air carriers.  In addition, algae-based fuel is being developed.

It may take some time for these developments to be available on a wide scale, however there are alternatives for the airlines.  Maybe vacations are not a thing of the past after all.

During the fuel crisis in the 1970’s things were pretty difficult.  There were lines for fuel every day.  People parked their cars the night before.  Some days were for even numbered ending license plates, others for odd.  People who normally were somewhat mild mannered got into arguments, shouting matches and altercations.  And the prices were only between $1 and $1.50per gallon.

Move forward to the eighties and nineties when we were being warned over and over to conserve fuel.  We were told to buy and drive smaller cars.  We were also in a situation where automakers were basically told that they had to make more fuel efficient cars to ease the fuel crunch and to give us alternatives to gas guzzling land yachts.

One of the situations that came out of the woodwork at that time was a slew of gadgets and liquids and other offerings that were supposed to conserve fuel and keep out cars running better, longer, and on less fuel.  Most of these were hoaxes and did nothing to help our cars.  In fact, some of them totally ruined our cars after helping us to consume even more fuel.

Fast forward to today.  Here we are in a similar situation.  We are not sitting in line over night at gas stations waiting for rations to even or odd license place, but we are being warned that this could be coming down the pike.  Then there are those gas guzzling super sized SUV’s that we were warned about in the 70s and 80s and 90s and the past decade, too.  Just a couple of years ago they were selling for $20 to $50 thousand  – and that was without all the bells and whistles.  Now, with the fuel crisis, it is hard for dealers to even give them away, and companies like General Motors have taken big hits in profit – even whispering about possible bankruptcies, while laying off thousands of employees.

And, of course, the snake oil salesmen are back again with new additives and gimmicks to help our cars run better on less fuel for longer.  The problem is that if you have a giant SUV that gets 12 to 15 miles per gallon, even if the snake oil works, you are still going to use a lot of fuel.

If you are thinking of buying some of the items touted to conserve fuel and help improve the way your vehicle performs, don’t just take someone’s word for it.  Do some research.  Check to see what these items are made of and what they actually do.  Check with companies like Consumer Reports or your personal mechanic (or a mechanic that you trust) and get some opinions before you stick anything in your car engine or your gas tank.

Snake oil salespeople will always be around and always jump on any crisis.  The best way to avoid falling for phonies and keep your car running well is to take it in for regular service and make sure the products you buy are genuine and credible.

With the fuel crisis in full gear, we are all being hit one way or the other.  We are also doing everything to conserve fuel and keep our expenses down as best we can.

Aside from not being able to control the cost of gasoline at the pump or groceries at the market (which are higher prices due to fuel costs for truck drivers that deliver them to the market place), we are now at the mercy of energy companies when it comes to heating and cooling our homes, as well as cooking, having hot water, doing laundry and dishes, and just cleaning in general.

Natural gas prices have risen over 120% in many areas just since last year.  In Mississippi, electric prices have risen 28% during the past year.  Residents are paying an average of around $1 per day extra due to the increase.

Companies are looking for ways to operate as efficiently as possible and many companies are looking for alternatives to traditional fuels.  Unfortunately, converting to alternative types of fuel takes time and money to initiate. 

We have been warned over and over for quite some time that we could not continue on the path we were on without ending up with a fuel crisis.  We were told that there should be research and implementation of alternatives.  We have been told for decades.  Those of us who remember the long lines and the rationing of gasoline during the 70’s know how uncomfortable things can get.  In fact, at this time, things could actually get worse because it is a much different world than it was back then.

That is little comfort for those of us feeling the crunch.  It is critical that Congress put aside their differences and work together to bring relief to average Americans.  The people that are being hit hardest are the ones who can’t afford it.  People are losing jobs – either because of layoffs or because they can’t afford the gas to get to work.

It is time to look at the situation and come up with a long-term solution to the fuel crisis.  Americans are doing their part as best they can.  It is time for Congress to collaborate with average, every day Americans to find a solution to the fuel crisis, which will help bring relief to the American people and to the economy as well.

OK, so we are all trying to do our part to conserve fuel. Many of us are doing it because we want to do the right thing.  Many of us are also doing it because at over $4 per gallon and rising for a gallon of gasoline in the United States, we simply have no choice.  So we are planning out our errands and doing them all at once.  We are carpooling where possible.  We are driving less often and not as far.  We are not leaving our cars idling, not leaving the air conditioning on for long periods of time.  We are keeping our tires inflated to the right amount, getting lubes and oil changes and tune ups, as well as cleaning out our fuel injectors, driving the speed limit and using additives to make a tank of gas take us further.
As we hear about more things to try we are willing to try them to save money and to save fuel.

Many of us have not taken vacations because of high fuel prices.  We haven’t even taken vacations with semi-short drives because the gas is too expensive.  We are getting to be more careful when we shop because prices of food and other essentials are rising due to the fact that it costs more to transport everything to the grocery store.

Now there is yet another casualty of the fuel crisis.  In addition to airlines raising fares, canceling the number of flights, firing thousands of employees and charging for luggage (who is going to fly across the country without a change of clothes and other personal items?),  we are now at an all time low.  Several airlines have eliminated in flight entertainment.  That’s right.  No movies.  If you want to keep little Johnny or Jane occupied during a long flight, you had better bring a laptop, a portable DVD player or a portable game system.  You could bring crayons and books, to, at least as a backup. 

The airlines say that if they raise prices, charge for luggage and eliminate entertainment which adds weight to a flight and costs more in fuel, they might break even.  The question is: Don’t those laptops, portable DVD’s and other entertainment items that passengers bring on the flight weigh as much or more than the earphones and small built in screens?  

It will be interesting to see what the fuel crisis eliminates next.  Maybe it will be those overhead reading lights.  Keep abreast of what’s happening because you may need to bring flashlights on your next flight just in case you want to read!

With fuel prices at a premium and politicians warning that we could run out, or at least run short, most of us are trying to find ways to conserve this precious commodity.  There are some easy and effective things that each of us can do to conserve the amount of fuel we use in our cars and the amount of money we keep pouring into our tanks.

There are some logical things that we have heard for years, such as keeping tires inflated to the correct pressure, making sure that our cars are tuned up and observing the speed limit. 

There are many other things we can do to improve our fuel economy no matter what the type, size or age of our car is.  Some of the ways we can economize on fuel are:

• Avoid carrying excess weight in the car.  Anything that you don’t need with you shouldn’t be hauled around with you if at all possible.  The more weight the car is carrying, the more fuel it uses to carry it.
• Avoid leaving your car idling.  There are times when we just have to run in and get something and it would take as much fuel to stop and start the car again, however, leaving the car idling when you are going to be a few minutes – even just five minutes – eats up unnecessary fuel.
• Check your air and fuel filters.  If your air filter is dirty or clogged, your car will use excess fuel.  If your fuel filter isn’t checked and/or replaced at the proper time you could end up with fewer miles per gallon.
• Use your air conditioner only when necessary.  Your air conditioner uses extra fuel.  This goes for your defroster as well, since it is actually part of your air conditioning system.
• Keep engine parts clean.  Fuel injectors, throttles and other parts can increase fuel consumption when dirty or clogged and decrease fuel consumption when kept clean.
• Use cruise control and overdrive.  Overdrive helps your engine idle at a lower rate when you are going up hills and in other situations.  This conserves gasoline and helps your car run smoother.  Cruise control keeps your car run more efficiently by maintaining a steady speed, which usually saves fuel.
• Drive conservatively, not aggressively.  You don’t have to be the slowest person on the road, however, driving conservatively vs. aggressively saves gas.  Aggressive driving usually involves speeding, lurching ahead at lights and other actions that increase fuel consumption.  Calming down behind the wheel will save fuel and keep everyone, including you, safer.

There are other things that each of us can do to conserve fuel depending on our car and our circumstances.  However, if we all did just a few of the things on the list above, we would save somewhere between 2% and 4% of the fuel we use.  That could help with the fuel crisis and it would also keep our cars running better and put some extra money in our pocket.

There are some things we can be sure of, even in this world full of surprises and unexpected events.   One of these things is that the sun will rise each morning.  That’s something we all depend on and know will happen, and that’s a good thing.  It helps us know that our world is still moving the way it should, regardless of all of the things that are happening on the planet or to the planet. 

Another thing we can count on – unfortunately – is that, like the sun, gas prices will continue to rise.  They have more than topped the $4 price just about everywhere in the country.  California is at the top of the list with gas prices at over $4.40 per gallon, with other states close on its heels.  The lowest prices are in Texas and several neighboring southern states, with the cost per gallon hovering between $3.68 and $4.00 per gallon.

This gas crisis has put a huge dent into vacation plans, employment location and more.  People are limiting the amount of “luxuries” they buy in order to offset the cost of gas.  Vacations are being cancelled – or at least postponed in hopes that the gas prices will be more affordable at a later date, or that the family can save up enough money to offset the cost of the furl they will need to get to where they are going.

Gas prices are affecting everything from food prices, vacations and jobs.  They have changed the way Americans – and countries throughout the world – do business, shop, run their homes and their lives.  Gas prices are quickly becoming one of the top election issues, with the average American looking for the government to solve this crisis.

Researchers are looking for – and finding – ways to use alternative energy sources, however, making changes that affect millions of people takes time. 
Maybe as the prices continue to rise, someone will come up with a solution to the problem – or at least some relief.

Until then, we will all have to figure out a way to deal with gas prices hovering around and average of $4.20 per gallon and the changes it causes in our lives.