The easy way out

Bush Eases Environmental Rules on Gasoline

President Bush on Tuesday ordered a temporary suspension of environmental rules for gasoline, making it easier for refineries to meet demand and possibly dampen prices at the pump. He also halted for the summer the purchase of crude oil for the government's emergency reserve.

Perhaps he heard of economists Verleger's theory that high prices of oil are high due to temporary supply side factors, such as economic regulations, instead of Hubbert peak oil theory or, gee, instability in the middle east and cost gauging by oil companies, perhaps. At least the GOP is 'urging' an investigation into price gouging or illegal manipulation of the oil market. Funny thing, though, it is the same thing the Dems called for a week ago but you have to wait til near the end of the article to find out about it. Anyway, being sekptical, I highly doubt they are sincere. Frankly, I think Bush and a majority of the GOP only apply re-election political theory, and they realized high gas prices are bad for the incumbents. We have to do something about our politics where hard choices are never made because politically they are problematic. Perhaps we need some sort of House of Lords or something, although that would never work in the states. But really, never a call to reduce gas consumption, never incentives to encourage other forms of transportation or whatever. The Dems do have a plan, although you have to look for it. (most information from here)