Fuel prices

[WAHOONBOX]

I ALMOST INCITED A RIOT IN MOBILE IN 1974 WHEN GAS IT 68 CENTS A GAL.

[BTH284]

If any country out there in that part of the world decided to mess with Israel, I would suggest they think long and hard about how far they are willing to go unless they are prepared to face the consequences. Irsraelites DON'T PLAY when it comes to threats and actions from threats against their own people!

[Tuna Taxi]

BTH, you got it right! Those Israelis are bad-ass.

I guess it comes from spending your entire nation's history being surrounded by countries/people who want to kill you. It cracks me up that nations are saying they should show restraint in their response.....I think Israel going this long without uncorking a nuclear weapon on their asses is some amazing restraint.

We had one US attack in WWII (if you forget about Alaska), fought in the pacific for a few years, then when we had enough, the old atomic blamarama ended it. If I was running Israel, I'd take a lesson from history. But, then again, I can't even run my own house.

[bigeasy]

Yes Cliff, and although I could'nt agree more with your take on electric regulation (that's what I do for a living), my real rant was about DOE's lack of getting anything done or accomplished. The Electric utility industry is by far the largest user of fossel fuels in the US. When it is all said and done, there are only 2 factors that influence energy prices--- supply and demand. Reduce the demand for fossil fuels with more nuclear power supply and oil prices will fall with the added benefits of reduced energy prices in other sectors and a cleaner environment.
This certainly would not bring oil back down to $25 a barrel, but nonetheless it's a strategic plan to help reduce our dependance on oil--- instead of the bureaucratic regulations making new nuclear capacity impossible economically.
Sterling--- competive prices are foreward looking--- even speculative at times. Thus, tensions in the Middle East raise uncertainty as to future supply and revenue.

Glenn-I find it hard to believe we aren't expanding nuclear power. The French get 90% electricity from nuclear. I understand the Japanese are building 20 or so nuclear plants. Why do we let a radical fringe prevent progress forward? A national conscensus for energy independence would go a long way to establish order. Perhaps the Chinese will sell us some of the oil from the Florida Striat that the Cubans plan to lease to them.

[Glenn W]

Glenn-I find it hard to believe we aren't expanding nuclear power. The French get 90% electricity from nuclear. I understand the Japanese are building 20 or so nuclear plants. Why do we let a radical fringe prevent progress forward? A national conscensus for energy independence would go a long way to establish order. Perhaps the Chinese will sell us some of the oil from the Florida Striat that the Cubans plan to lease to them.

You hit the nail on the head. Yes, the Frenchy's & Japs do look after themselves first. We shouldn't be so arrogant of them little spineless bastards in that respect.
Why isn't the United States building more safe nuclear capacity? The answer is simple. It's simply risk and return. I don't blame the investors of our US public utilities one bit for refusing to plop down 4-6 Billion dollars on an investment that may not even turn on the key--- remember Seabrook, Shoreham, Maine Yankee to name a few?--- Governmental, and political bullshit.
Utilities can simply put down their money and crank out those half ass combined cyle units for nothing but cost a king's ransom to run (because everyone else is doing it) and expect a fair return without the ridiculous governmental bullshit (risk).
Nuclear power is safe, clean and cheap ( per unit of output). What am I missing here?
Now I'm just a redneck from North Carolina, but it seems like we had something going in the early 70's and with a budget of $23 billion/yr, those idiots at DOE could think of something. I think I'll send my consulting fee to them---- I just got accompished more than they did in 28 yrs.---- hum? a paltry billion or two will work as a gesture of fair national duty to Country.
I'm boring everyone to tears so I think I'll sign off and head to Hatteras for some of the fun down there.