Deregulation (under Carter and Reagan) responsible for today's gas prices?

[MissMillie]

I thought it was a load of malarky. So I'm doing some research.

From what I'm reading online (and from a broad range of sources) it would appear that the conservation policies under Carter being demolished under Reagan meant that demand would just grow and grow, driving up the price. The popularity of the SUV doesn't help, neither does the fact that we had something of a baby boom that started up in 1986 and now those kids are driving.

Anyone got anything wise to help me with this discussion?

[napi21]

1. The total lack of support for mass transit in the US is the biggest

error, IMO. In most of the major european countries, you can go anywhere via mass transit, and for a very reasonable price.

In Switzerland, you are to buy a transit pass and carry it with you, but the only time you ever have to show it is if asked. It's like the honor system, except the penalties are pretty high if you are asked for your pass and don't have one. Sure makes their transit system run fery smooth.

Here in the US, we spend weeks and months arguing why we SHOULD'T fund AMTRAK!

[mrcheerful]

2. Check out deregulation and oil refineries to see how deregulation has

helped to drive oil costs up. There used to be a refinery in almost every state, before Reagan, look at how many are out there today.

[MissMillie]

3. Well, the argument that I'm making is

that demand is what is making the price go up.

The other person's argument is that PRICE deregulation is what is making the price go up.

It would seem to me that the regulations still in place keep refineries from being built while at the SAME time higher demand makes it difficult for the refineries we have now to keep up--hence the higher price.

Do I not have it right?

[mrcheerful]

4. Nope they are using environment and regulation as the cause

for not building refineries, but the truth is they don't want to build them. Theres only 3 companies that control refineries so they have a monopoly on out put. Thats why a boycott won't work in todays market, your only changing gas stations and not suppliers. In the 70's boycotts worked because there were 100's of small refinery owners and cutting off one would hurt their pockets. Look at how they shut down a refinery for repairs and how that effects gas prices. Its not demand thats causing the current problems, its speculation and greed. Think about how fast gas prices change with the price of crude. If crude goes up today tommorow gas prices go up, yet the crude that was used to make the gas sold for less then the current prices. Name one other product that prices change so fast.

[Jayhawk Lib]

5. I see it very clearly...

You see it very clearly......It is hard to believe how many blind people we have....Why can't they see it????

[mrcheerful]

6. Because the oil companies pulled the same scam as DeBeers

pulled with diamonds. Everybody buys into the experts (paid by the oil companies)hype that oil is running out, but remember that Carter said the oil would be gone by 1984 or 5. Do you really think buying small cars extended that this long? To be honest, I couldn't afford a small car so I was driving old big blocks and small block ford and chevy's. In 1975 you could buy $100 big block cars. Anyhow the point is, back during Carters term, oil experts were telling us gas was almost gone and by the mid 80's there wouldn't be a drop of oil to be found.