Strawman: We're Exporting Gas???

Strawman: We're Exporting Gas???

1 year, 4 months ago

 

About 3 years ago one of those crazy right wing talk show guys said that, in the not too distant future, gasoline prices in the United States would drop below 2 dollars a gallon. The reason behind it: the general public wouldn’t be able to afford to drive---gas would be more plentiful—less demand—cheaper prices.   

We’re not there yet, but demand for gas has dropped nearly 10% in recent years. It went from a peak of 9.6 million barrels a day in 2007 to 8.8 million barrels today, according to the EIA (Energy Information Administration).  So much, in fact, the United States has been EXPORTING GASOLINE.  That’s right, the country whose citizens have been paying as much as up to 4 bucks a gallon, has been exporting gasoline since 2008.

But now the country's massive refining infrastructure is producing more gasoline, diesel and jet fuel than the United States needs, freeing it up to be exported to places like Brazil, Mexico and Chile where demand is still strong.  And you and I are still paying over 3 bucks a gallon—and those in the 18 wheelers are paying as much as $4.79 a gallon upstate. (http://www.illinoisgasprices.com/index.aspx?fuel=D)

The Wall Street Journal, which recently reported on the export trend, said the United States is on track this year to be a net exporter of refined products for the first time in 62 years—even though the country hasn’t put a new refinery on line since 1976.  Yes, there are 2 new refineries under construction, but that’s because the Obama Administration hasn’t figured out a way to halt the procedure and find them unjust—unfair—and just UN.  There’s still time.  Hope and Change—remember?

You know, if you get right down to it, our society is being conditioned to stay home, drive less, do less and, heaven forbid—never consume anything remotely alcoholic. When’s the last time you went out for New Year’s Eve?  Yeah, it’s been a while for me too.

Get popped for a DUI in Illinois (http://dui.drivinglaws.org/ill.php) and you’re looking at a number of penalties, including a fine, suspended license, jail time, etc.  Now, some of you out there will get your panties in a bunch over the last statement, but face it, if you drive in Illinois, you are a revenue source for the state.  Have you looked at how much speeding in a school zone will cost you?  How about going too fast in a work zone?  And if you REALLY want to be proud of the state of Illinois, come downtown some day when the locals and state troopers are running a seat belt sting on those coming across the bridge from Missouri.  Hey, welcome to the land of Lincoln.

You and I are rolling check books—that’s all we are—and it looks like that’s all we’re going to be for quite a while.   Get a designated driver---vote Democrat---and Happy New Year!