On Gas Prices and Politics

The folks over at RedState have been having a grand old time Dem-bashing through use of this graphic from the House Minority Whip’s office:

Now, I think the GOP does have a point by pointing out a lack of action being proposed by the congressional majority which would have a material impact on the price of gas at the pumps.

However, the GOP, I think, is more interested in playing politics than in seriously advocating real action, or real remedies (if there were any).

For example, I note that all of the high-value options in the GOP agenda slide above are not ones that will deliver overnight.  They all require exploration and investment, and presumably will require years before supply is impacted.

However, more seriously, the tapping of nontraditional domestic oil reserves seems to be the only solution being advocated by the GOP and its minions through the above slide.  Yes, it’s probably reasonable to assume that an optimal, long-term strategy will require adopting many, if not most, of the items highlighted in the graphic above.  But they will/should be only some of the tactics pursued.

If Republican politicians were serious about at least stabilizing, if not reducing, Americans’ energy costs over the short-term, offshore drilling and tapping oil shale would be accompanied by more aggressive pushes for other, more sustainable technology.  

Where are the calls for nuclear power plants?  What about accelerating the viability of switchgrass or algae-based biofuel?   How come there are no calls for financing assistance for lower-income homeowners to update home heating systems…especially those which are oil-based?

I’m not a fan of either major party, and I am really looking forward to the change in administrations in January.  However, if the GOP was seriously looking to stake a claim on the high ground on the energy issue, the party would push a well-rounded energy program.  Oil can be a part of it, but it should be presented as only one part of  a larger plan, lest the public dismiss the plan as being the utterance of the old oil lobby, seeking to protect its franchise.

It’s a shame that this election cycle is probably headed towards an outcome which will be interpreted by pols and pundits alike as “Americans’  rejection of Republican policies”…when a correct interpretation should be “Americans’ exhaustion with political gaming”.