U.S. gasoline price hits record high for 4th week

[gldstwmn]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N19360318.htm

19 Apr 2004 20:59:58 GMT
U.S. gasoline price hits record high for 4th week

By Tom Doggett

WASHINGTON, April 19 (Reuters) - There is no relief for U.S. consumers at the gasoline pump, as the national price for motor fuel hit a record high for the fourth straight week, increasing 2.7 cents over the last week to $1.813 a gallon on Monday, the government said.

The latest pump price is 29 cents higher than this time last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's weekly survey of service stations.

Strong consumer demand for gasoline and tight fuel supplies are pushing up pump prices.

When adjusted for inflation in 2004 dollars, the highest price for gasoline was $2.99 a gallon in March 1981, EIA said. European drivers face much higher gasoline costs than in the United States, with prices in some countries around $5 a gallon.

The record price comes as a new book by Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward claims that Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, promised President George W. Bush the Saudis would cut oil prices before November.

Woodward, author of a new book on Bush's preparations for the Iraq war "Plan of Attack," said Prince Bandar pledged the Saudis would try to fine-tune oil prices to prime the U.S. economy for November's presidential election, a move they understood would favor Bush.

Democratic presidential challenger Sen. John Kerry said it would be "outrageous and unacceptable" if the Bush administration and the Saudis reached a "secret" deal to tie the price of gasoline and fuel supplies to the U.S. presidential election.

Saudi Arabia said Monday it will not use oil prices to try to sway the U.S. election

"We do not use oil for political purposes; it is too important a commodity, and its impact on the global economy (of which we are a part) is tremendous," said Adel Al-Jubeir, foreign affairs adviser to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia also does not interfere in elections," he said in a statement.

The retail price for cleaner-burning reformulated gasoline, sold in polluted city areas, increased 1.6 cents in the latest week to $1.899 a gallon, according to the EIA survey.

The West Coast had the most expensive regular unleaded gasoline, with the price up 0.9 cent at $2.088 a gallon.

Los Angeles topped the agency's city survey of gasoline costs, but the price fell 1.5 cents a gallon at $2.195.

The U.S. Gulf Coast has the cheapest fuel by region, with the price down 3.7 cents at $1.70 per gallon. Houston had the most affordable gasoline at $1.665 a gallon, up 3.3 cents.

The weekly report also showed gasoline prices were up 7.8 cents at $1.959 in Seattle, up 3.3 cents at $1.888 in Chicago, up 2.4 cents at $1.860 in Miami, up 1.6 cents at $1.781 in New York City and up 5.9 cents at $1.778 in Cleveland.

Separately, EIA said the average pump price for diesel fuel increased 4.5 cents to $1.724 a gallon, up 20 cents from a year earlier.

Truckers on the West Coast paid the most for diesel fuel at $2.112 a gallon, up 8.6 cents from the prior week. The lower Atlantic states had the cheapest diesel at $1.624, up 2.8 cents.

[tommer]

maybe it's a hint that saving on gas and searching for alternate energy sources might both help the enviroment and the world's political stability.

still, it might comfort you a bit to know that you still pay rediculous tax on oil there. all over europe (and here as well), you'd pay more than twice for that gas (and would usually earn a little less). :shrug:

[gldstwmn]

maybe it's a hint that saving on gas and searching for alternate energy sources might both help the enviroment and the world's political stability.

still, it might comfort you a bit to know that you still pay rediculous tax on oil there. all over europe (and here as well), you'd pay more than twice for that gas (and would usually earn a little less). :shrug:


I'm hoping our next president will devote some time and energy to alternative energy sources.
My reason for posting this article is becuase I think that this is being done on purpose.

[strandinthewind]

I'm hoping our next president will devote some time and energy to alternative energy sources.
My reason for posting this article is because I think that this is being done on purpose.


Unfortunately, not until the last drop is drained from the Earth. That is so sad to me because the aleternate methods clearly are there. But, hope springs eternal :D , Toyota/Lexus, Ford, GM, and others are coming out with hybrid vehicles AND I am on the list for the Ford Escape hybrid, which is supposed to perform like a regular gas engine and it gets like 40 mpg. So, there are steps being taken - FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!

[Hawkeye]

isn't the stupid war with Iraq supposed to LOWER gas prices.

[dissention]

isn't the stupid war with Iraq supposed to LOWER gas prices.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

You still have a way to go to catch up with our rediculously high prices! Ours works out at around $5.45 a gallon...

Pip

[estranged4life]

that I live in Oklahoma were gas prices average $1.68 a gallon.

I am glad my '96 Nissan still averages 40 miles a gallon unlike some newer <b>S.U.V.</b>'s (aka "Stupid Useless Ve-Hicle") that barely get 8 miles a gallon...

If ya are one of <b>those people</b> who bought a S.U.V. and are <b>whining</b> about the gas prices I think you have should have realized that gas prices were bound to go upwards.

[dissention]

I am glad my '96 Nissan still averages 40 miles a gallon unlike some newer <b>S.U.V.</b>'s (aka "Stupid Useless Ve-Hicle") that barely get 8 miles a gallon...

If ya are one of <b>those people</b> who bought a S.U.V. and are <b>whining</b> about the gas prices I think you have should have realized that gas prices were bound to go upwards.

Anyone who drives an SUV must not have had a brain in their head when they made the purchase. :rolleyes:

[strandinthewind]

Anyone who drives an SUV must not have had a brain in their head when they made the purchase. :rolleyes:

So, if you have to haul things, you should make two trips in your sedan if the items will even fit in a sedan?

PPUUUHHHLLLEEEEZZZZEEEEEEEE - you city folks don't know nothin' :p

[strandinthewind]

You still have a way to go to catch up with our rediculously high prices! Ours works out at around $5.45 a gallon...

Pip

Its coming soon trust me. I predict there will be a Federal gas tax of at least a dollar as opposed to the $0.20 (I think) now.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Its coming soon trust me. I predict there will be a Federal gas tax of at least a dollar as opposed to the $0.20 (I think) now.

When it's all said and done it's over $.24 and it might be a little more than that now.

[estranged4life]

So, if you have to haul things, you should make two trips in your sedan if the items will even fit in a sedan?

PPUUUHHHLLLEEEEZZZZEEEEEEEE - you city folks don't know nothin' :p

Not me, I live in a small pro-conservative town/hell-hole that is 40 miles from the largest city/town.

Thank God that gasoline prices in OKC are usually ¢.5-¢.10 cheaper than the rural (Ripoff) areas.

Btw, I remember showing/pointing out a new Ford S.U.V. parked out front at the OKC Ford Center this past July, To a fellow Ledgie "shackin' up", That averages only 16 miles a gallon on the highway & 8 miles in the city...For the $35,000+ price tag I have to say B.S. to that Found On Roadside Dead gas-guzzler.

[dissention]

So, if you have to haul things, you should make two trips in your sedan if the items will even fit in a sedan?

PPUUUHHHLLLEEEEZZZZEEEEEEEE - you city folks don't know nothin' :p

Yup. If someone buys an SUV, they have no right to bitch and moan about gas prices.

I drive a Beetle and I've never had any problems. I think we all know someone with a truck who can pick up something for us. :laugh:

Lord, driving an SUV in Boston is like flying a 747 through a nostril.

[gldstwmn]

that I live in Oklahoma were gas prices average $1.68 a gallon.

I am glad my '96 Nissan still averages 40 miles a gallon unlike some newer <b>S.U.V.</b>'s (aka "Stupid Useless Ve-Hicle") that barely get 8 miles a gallon...

If ya are one of <b>those people</b> who bought a S.U.V. and are <b>whining</b> about the gas prices I think you have should have realized that gas prices were bound to go upwards.

I drive a Volvo and since I work at home I rarely drive. I will confess that I am going to be buying a new car-a Jaguar X Type- within the next year. So shame on me. :shocked: :shocked:

[dissention]

There are so many bad things about SUVs that I still wonder how the hell they are being sold legally.

They're not only unsafe to the people who drive and ride in them, they're dangerous to all of us becasue of the damage they do to our environment. They're gas guzzlers, man. They aren't economical and the constant refueling burns holes in the pockets of people who drive them. All so some people can drive their freaking Exxon Valdez's. Gimme a break. The reason they're on the market is to put money in the pockets of the gas and oil companies over and over and over. And no one gives a **** because they have to get Jimmy to his soccer game and then take the whole team out for pizza after the big win.

An SUV is the car of choice for America's most self-centered people.

[strandinthewind]

There are so many bad things about SUVs that I still wonder how the hell they are being sold legally.

They're not only unsafe to the people who drive and ride in them, they're dangerous to all of us becasue of the damage they do to our environment. They're gas guzzlers, man. They aren't economical and the constant refueling burns holes in the pockets of people who drive them. All so some people can drive their freaking Exxon Valdez's. Gimme a break. The reason they're on the market is to put money in the pockets of the gas and oil companies over and over and over. And no one gives a **** because they have to get Jimmy to his soccer game and then take the whole team out for pizza after the big win.

An SUV is the car of choice for America's most self-centered people.

Bless your heart :laugh: Is this the great liberal arguing that people, like me, who need the size of an SUV should have to shell out cash or depend on a friend who has one everytime I need to haul something :laugh: I mean what about people who cannot afford to hire an truck and who have no friends who have a truck :shrug: I guess they do not matter in your equation :shrug: P.S. anyone who borrows a truck or SUV is just as guilty as the person who buys it - no?

Finally, as I said before, the new hybrid SUV's, which appear to be the coming reality, get far better gas mileage than your Beetle :shrug: Will you be so opposed next year when they are out? In fact, most SUV's get similar gas mileage to most midsized to large sedans.

[dissention]

Bless your heart :laugh: Is this the great liberal arguing that people, like me, who need the size of an SUV should have to shell out cash or depend on a friend who has one everytime I need to haul something :laugh: I mean what about people who cannot afford to hire an truck and who have no friends who have a truck :shrug: I guess they do not matter in your equation :shrug: P.S. anyone who borrows a truck or SUV is just as guilty as the person who buys it - no?

Finally, as I said before, the new hybrid SUV's, which appear to be the coming reality, get far better gas mileage than your Beetle :shrug: Will you be so opposed next year when they are out? In fact, most SUV's get similar gas mileage to most midsized to large sedans.

Most SUV's get an average of 12 to the gallon, look it up.

This is the great liberal arguing that we don't need more pollution in our atmosphere. Like I said, the people who buy SUV's are America's most self-serving. They need the extra room, blah blah blah, so the environment and safety of the roads be damned. And if someone abstains from buying an SUV and decides to just borrow it from someone who already owns one for certain trips, it's better than buying a new SUV to add even more pollution. One is better than two, Jason. The fact is, the general consensus in our country is that it's all about the individual, not the whole. And, frankly, it's sickening. People don't care that their gas guzzling Exxon's are causing irreperable damage to the environment. Maybe we need a gas tax of $1 just to discourage the buying of such vehicles. I'd vote in support of it.

[estranged4life]

I mean what about people who cannot afford to hire an truck and who have no friends who have a truck :shrug: I guess they do not matter in your equation :shrug: P.S. anyone who borrows a truck or SUV is just as guilty as the person who buys it - no?

Finally, as I said before, the new hybrid SUV's, which appear to be the coming reality, get far better gas mileage than your Beetle :shrug: Will you be so opposed next year when they are out? In fact, most SUV's get similar gas mileage to most midsized to large sedans.

with S.U.V.'s isn't the easy access to moving large objects or if used as a commercial vehicle (A SUV would not be of any use to Debbie or myself), But their use here in OK as a status symbol for those who flaunt their wealth...That old "You're nothing unless you own the latest SUV" chestnut.

The closest I would come to ever owning a SUV is either a Subaru "Forrester" or the Subaru "Baja" (The Baja is a @#$%^&* Subaru "Brat"...Why change the #$%^&* name?)

[strandinthewind]

Most SUV's get an average of 12 to the gallon, look it up.

This is the great liberal arguing that we don't need more pollution in our atmosphere. Like I said, the people who buy SUV's are America's most self-serving. They need the extra room, blah blah blah, so the environment and safety of the roads be damned. And if someone abstains from buying an SUV and decides to just borrow it from someone who already owns one for certain trips, it's better than buying a new SUV to add even more pollution. One is better than two, Jason. The fact is, the general consensus in our country is that it's all about the individual, not the whole. And, frankly, it's sickening. People don't care that their gas guzzling Exxon's are causing irreperable damage to the environment. Maybe we need a gas tax of $1 just to discourage the buying of such vehicles. I'd vote in support of it.

LOL - I want every farmer in America to sell their SUV and get a Toyota Prius. That is what you are saying. Why can't you just admit I win here. I mean I haul stuff all of the time. My Ford Explorer (arguably the most popular SUV there is) gets about 18 MPG. My mother's huge sedan gets
19 MPG. My neice's Honda Civic gets 22 MPG. My new Ford Escape or Lexus RX 300 will get 40+ MPG.

Moreover, you only borrow old SUV's and when that persons' SUV breaks and they have to buy another one, they are selfish pigs until you need to borrow it :laugh: Come On :laugh:

You are wrong and I wanna hear you say it - I mean it is rare I have you in a corner - let me enjoy my moment :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

with S.U.V.'s isn't the easy access to moving large objects or if used as a commercial vehicle (A SUV would not be of any use to Debbie or myself), But their use here in OK as a status symbol for those who flaunt their wealth...That old "You're nothing unless you own the latest SUV" chestnut.

The closest I would come to ever owning a SUV is either a Subaru "Forrester" or the Subaru "Baja" (The Baja is a @#$%^&* Subaru "Brat"...Why change the #$%^&* name?)

I have used my Explorer to haul diswashers and other stuff I have needed to work on houses I bought and was redoing. Plus, I have three dogs that I gotta haul around. I cannot afford both a truck and a sedan. So, I bought an SUV - it seemed the best solution for me and it gets 18 MPG which I submit is on par with most other cars.

Also, I never buy into the whole status symbol cars are wrong. I am not here to judge how someone spends their money because I do not want anyone judging me :cool:

[dissention]

LOL - I want every famer in America to sell their SUV and get a Toyota Prius. That is what you are saying. Why can't you just admit I win here. I mean I haul stuff all of the time. My Ford Explorer (arguably the most popular SUV there is) gets about 18 MPG. My mother's huge sedan gets
19 MPG. My neice's Honda Civic gets 22 MPG. My new Ford Escape or Lexus RX 300 will get 40+ MPG. You are wrong and I wanna hear you say it - I mean it is rare I have you in a corner - let me enjoy my moment :laugh:

I'm not in a corner, I'm in the middle of the room, doll. :lol:

The only thing I can say to you is that you're family needs to be more conscious of the cars they drive. :laugh: j/k

I never once said that any individuals SUV doesn't get more than 12 mpg, I said the average is 12 mpg and that's rotten. It's clear disregard for the environment. I drive a Beetle and get 36 mpg; they certainly aren't expensive cars, either.

Am I saying I want all American's to crash their SUVs and get a sedan? You bet your ass I am. I'd junk them all if I could and then I'd outlaw them.

So, now that we've discussed the gas issue, let's hear you tackle the safety issues of driving and owning one of those suicide vehicles. :cool:

[strandinthewind]

I'm not in a corner, I'm in the middle of the room, doll. :lol:

The only thing I can say to you is that you're family needs to be more conscious of the cars they drive. :laugh: j/k

I never once said that any individuals SUV doesn't get more than 12 mpg, I said the average is 12 mpg and that's rotten. It's clear disregard for the environment. I drive a Beetle and get 36 mpg; they certainly aren't expensive cars, either.

Am I saying I want all American's to crash their SUVs and get a sedan? You bet your ass I am. I'd junk them all if I could and then I'd outlaw them.

So, now that we've discussed the gas issue, let's hear you tackle the safety issues of driving and owning one of those suicide vehicles. :cool:

Again, the new SUV's will get better gas mileage than your Beetle.

Also, any car can be a death weapon when driven irresponsibly. Should we ban all cars?

Finally,who gives a rat's ass how much someone pays for their car. It is their money and their choice. Who am I to judge them :shrug:

[dissention]

Moreover, you only borrow old SUV's and when that persons' SUV breaks and they have to buy another one, they are selfish pigs until you need to borrow it :laugh: Come On :laugh:

I couldn't say, I've never driven one or used one in my life. And I never will. The last time I moved, I enlisted family and friends to cart my stuff in their cars instead of renting a U-Haul.

But for soccer moms to buy them for the sole purpose of carting around little brats for pizza and the like? Ride a freaking bus.

[strandinthewind]

But for soccer moms to buy them for the sole purpose of carting around little brats for pizza and the like? Ride a freaking bus.

So, everytime my brother, his wife, their three kids and dog do anywhere, they should take two cars instead of one SUV. I submit the amount of gas burned is the same. Moreover, if you have kids, you know it takes that much room to haul all that stuff :laugh:

[dissention]

Again, the new SUV's will get better gas mileage than your Beetle.

Also, any car can be a death weapon when driven irresponsibly. Should we ban all cars?

When I do buy a new car, it'll be a hybrid. Not an SUV. :thumbsup:

Yes, all cars are dangerous, but SUVs moreso. Statistics and facts prove it. Go find some.

Should we ban all cars? Not if we can create cars that don't hurt the environment. I know that will never happen because how else would the Bushies get their blood money, but hey, I can dream.

[strandinthewind]

Ride a freaking bus.

Buses do not exist in the country like they do in the city. I never took you for a big city snob :laugh:

[dissention]

So, everytime my brother, his wife, their three kids and dog do anywhere, they should take two cars instead of one SUV. I submit the amount of gas burned is the same. Moreover, if you have kids, you know it takes that much room to haul all that stuff :laugh:

Take a bus.

[strandinthewind]

When I do buy a new car, it'll be a hybrid. Not an SUV. :thumbsup:

Yes, all cars are dangerous, but SUVs moreso. Statistics and facts prove it. Go find some.

Should we ban all cars? Not if we can create cars that don't hurt the environment. I know that will never happen because how else would the Bushies get their blood money, but hey, I can dream.

My SUV will also be a hybrid - so where is that issue then. It is gone. Come on admit it - PPPLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEE :laugh:

Also, it is not just W, it is every politician including Kerry, Kennedy, McCain, Gore, Clinton - all of them :cool:

[dissention]

Buses do not exist in the country like they do in the city. I never took you for a big city snob :laugh:

You do have a point. :eek:

(On the snob part, of course.) :lol:

[strandinthewind]

Take a bus.

Non-seeing eye dogs are not allowed on the bus!!!!!!

AM I hearing Dissention saying "I'm wrong - you are right" to Strand :woohoo:

[dissention]

My SUV will also be a hybrid - so where is that issue then. It is gone. Come on admit it - PPPLLLEEEEAAAASSSEEE :laugh:


And - no matter how good of mileage it gets as a hybrid, it still doesn't make the car any safer, man. Don't you get what I'm saying?

SUV = Unsafe vehicle.

[dissention]

Non-seeing eye dogs are not allowed on the bus!!!!!!

AM I hearing Dissention saying "I'm wrong - you are right" to Strand :woohoo:

They are in my area. :xoxo:

But I never cart my dog with me, I leave it at home.

[estranged4life]

driven a SUV or even tempted too...

Btw, If I wanted to spend money on a status vehicle I will spend it on either a 427 Shelby Cobra, a Dodge Viper GTS Coupe, a '70 AAR 'Cuda or the Bad-ass '69 Yenko Camaro not some glorified pickup with a camper :laugh:

[dissention]

driven a SUV or even tempted too...


One of the main reasons that I've never driven one is that I'm afraid of big cars. I am petrified of being on the road and the bigger the car I'm driving, the more scared I become.

[strandinthewind]

And - no matter how good of mileage it gets as a hybrid, it still doesn't make the car any safer, man. Don't you get what I'm saying?

SUV = Unsafe vehicle.


Again, you can get killed or kill someone just as easily in any car if you drive it irresponsibly. So, that whole SUV's are unsafe is a subset of the larger argument that cars of all types should be made to be safer than they are. But, they are not. Also, people should have to take driver's ed. in school before getting a DL, but they are for the most part not. Those two factors would obviate a significant number or the accidents on the road today FAR more than eliminating SUV's :shrug:

BTW - did you just concede the MPG argument!!!! :cool:

[strandinthewind]

driven a SUV or even tempted too...

Btw, If I wanted to spend money on a status vehicle I will spend it on either a 427 Shelby Cobra, a Dodge Viper GTS Coupe, a '70 AAR 'Cuda or the Bad-ass '69 Yenko Camaro not some glorified pickup with a camper :laugh:

Thumbs up on the muscle cars!!!!!!! I, too, love them. I would like a 62 Thunderbird FACTORY roadster. I had one for awhile but sold it. I currently have a 64 Cadillac Eldorado convertible (black on black), which is being lovingly restored little by little.

[dissention]

Again, you can get killed or kill someone just as easily in any car if you drive it irresponsibly. So, that whole SUV's are unsafe is a subset of the larger argument that cars of all types should be made to be safer than they are. But, they are not. Also, people should have to take driver's ed. in school before getting a DL, but they are for the most part not. Those two factors would obviate a significant number or the accidents on the road today FAR more than eliminating SUV's :shrug:

BTW - did you just concede the MPG argument!!!! :cool:

If the new SUVs don't pollute half as badly as they do now, I'll concede. :) I'm liberal, not conservative, so I admit defeat. :lol:

But I won't concede the unsafe argument until you actually look up how unsafe SUVs are. Then you'll agree with me.

[strandinthewind]

If the new SUVs don't pollute half as badly as they do now, I'll concede. :) I'm liberal, not conservative, so I admit defeat. :lol:

But I won't concede the unsafe argument until you actually look up how unsafe SUVs are. Then you'll agree with me.

:woohoo: :] :blob2: :blob1: :] :woohoo:

I agree that the sheer bulk and height of the SUV causes more safety issues than a regular car. But, as evidenced by the crash safety tests reports issued this weekend, the sedans are being toughed to withstand it. And - SUV's have been made MUCH safer than they were just a few years aso. So, that is why I am arguing that all cars should be made safer and all cars are dangerous in the hands of someone who was never taught to drive.

[GardenStateGirlie]

If the new SUVs don't pollute half as badly as they do now, I'll concede. :) I'm liberal, not conservative, so I admit defeat. :lol:

But I won't concede the unsafe argument until you actually look up how unsafe SUVs are. Then you'll agree with me.

Well then we can also say that small sports cars are unsafe. One crash and it's all over...jaws of life to get you out of that thing. They're like matchbox cars and they're too fast. The drivers up here who own them are usually assholes. What use do you have unless you're on a racetrack for a car to go 100 and some mph?

[wondergirl9847]

What use do you have unless you're on a racetrack for a car to go 100 and some mph?

Yeah, I don't understand why vehicles need to go over 75...it's absurd. Also, why can't we raise the legal driving age to like 18?

[GardenStateGirlie]

Yeah, I don't understand why vehicles need to go over 75...it's absurd. Also, why can't we raise the legal driving age to like 18?

We have a Cinderella law here. Basically what that means is that now, you have to be 17 to get your permit AND if you are under the age of 21 and wanting to obtain a license in the state of NJ, after taking the written test you must drive with a licensed driver of 3 years in your vehicle and may have no more than one passenger in the car (unless you are over 21). You are not permitted out later than 11:01 PM or earlier than 5:00 AM (unless you are 21 or older). This just came into effect in the past 3 years and it might be the only smart thing New Jersey has done.

[wondergirl9847]

That sounds like a great law! I'd be curious to see the traffic accident statistics before and after this law. :nod:

[Hawkeye]

yeah but old people are far more deadly then young drivers so until they have an no driving under 17 or over 71 the accidents won't go down :p :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/cpress/20040420/ca_pr_on_tc/schwarzenegger_hydrogen&cid=2152&ncid=2152

California governor Schwarzenegger promises 'Hydrogen Highway' by 2010

DAVIS, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an order Tuesday for California to have a network of stations offering the pollution-free hydrogen fuel up and down the state within six years.
Schwarzenegger signed the order after driving around a university campus in a Toyota Highlander propelled by a clean-burning hydrogen engine. The University of California at Davis is the site for one of America's most advanced centres for the study of alternative transportation systems.
Although many industry experts say the plans are ambitious - estimated to cost $100 million - Schwarzenegger said he believes the technology is available but government needs to play a catalyst role in making the new fuel system a reality.
"Your government will lead by example," he said. "As I have said many times, the choice is not between economic progress and environmental protection. Here in California, growth and protecting our nature beauty go hand in hand."
Schwarzenegger's order calls on state agencies to work with private companies and existing research coalitions to build the hydrogen network. He has asked California Environmental Protection Secretary Terry Tamminen to come up with a plan by Jan. 1, 2005, for how the system might be put together.
He said he will support legislation that would create tax incentives or public financing proposals that might be needed.
Still, much work remains to be done.
Like the Toyota that Schwarzenegger tested, a number of auto manufacturers have built special fuel cell vehicles for test purposes.
Instead of using gasoline for power, fuel cell cars are powered by electric engines that rely on a chemical reaction caused when hydrogen and oxygen are mixed. The chemical reaction produces electricity which powers the vehicle.
The vehicle that Schwarzenegger drove has a driving radius of about 190 kilometres before needing a fillup, according to Ken Kurani, a UC Davis research engineer. Currently the cost of both the vehicle and the fuel is far more that existing gas models but as more and more hydrogen vehicles are built and fuelling stations are established, the price should come down, Kurani said.
EPA's Tamminen has said the network proposed by the governor would provide about 200 stations statewide - a small fraction of California's existing network of 10,000 retail gas outlets today.
California already has 10 stations - including one at UC Davis and one in West Sacramento, two in the Bay area and five in Southern California. About 10 more could be up and running in a relatively short time, according to Tamminen
Schwarzenegger also noted he would work aggressively to get some of the $1.7 billion that President George W. Bush has promised for hydrogen research.

[DrummerDeanna]

Well, I just got back from Las Vegas...and am SO tired...so I haven't read this entire thread...BUT...I did watch an intriguing piece on gas prices while at the Radio and Television News Director's Association conference...

And gas prices are technically NOT at an all time high.

The price (when cost of living and inflation are taken into account) peaked in the 1970's...by today's standards the prices topped out at more than three dollars per gallon!!

Also...other countries pay higher prices for gas...at least they did at the time this story was put together...I actually don't know the exact date...

Anyway...it really puts things into perspective...at least it did for me...:)