Reader Responses

I have read several letters the past week regarding the cause of high gasoline prices, all with which I can agree.

However, there is one very important issue that has not been addressed and that is refining the oil into gasoline.

I agree we need to be energy independent in this country and we have the resources to do so, but without new refineries we will continue to be short on supply and long on demand for gasoline.

This problem began when Congress became puppets for the environmentalists and all new construction was halted in the 1970s. The demand for gasoline has risen due to growing population and more automobiles on the road. Without sufficient plants to supply that demand we will continue to pay at the pumps.

This, like drilling, takes time to change the current situation. A question I have for those pushing electric cars: How much energy will it take to keep millions of batteries charged each day and where will it come from and what will it cost the consumer?

Also, using a vital food product for alternative fuel only raises the price for both, so how does that help the rising cost of living?

J.W. Watson
Cherokee County