Higher gas taxes

John McCain gas tax | Salon News

The U.S. is just now starting to get on board with the idea that we need to fight climate change, and this is just reversing that fight. Basically we're going to reduce the price of gasoline, which means consumers are going to respond by either driving more in the short term or changing how they make vehicle purchases and buying less fuel-efficient cars, because fuel efficiency won't be as important.

My regular readers out there will know that I'm in favor of higher gas prices. I often discuss this with my friends, and occasionally at social occasions. Mostly the subject gets changed, or people simply refuse to engage me on this topic. That often surprises me based on the company I keep, which is obviously largely made up of American expats.

One would think they would be more open minded to such a topic. Realistically higher gas prices follow along a path where Americans buy more fuel efficient cars, use more public transportation, and search for alternative fuels. Still the idea of permanently high gas prices is still alien to the average American.

Today I was lucky enough to come across this interview with Christopher Knittel. He believes as I do that higher prices for gasoline stimulate reductions in greenhouse emissions, and encourage drivers to find ways to reduce consumption. The biggest difference between him and me is that he actually has some research and statistics with which to back up his argument.

Needless to say I find him to be a very wise individual.