[SomeRandomGuy]

In my opinion, increased domestic drilling is a very shot term solution. With the increased global demand for oil, and the way in which we waste oil in this country we will be in this same situation again soon, even with increased drilling. The only way to lower energy prices is to change our mindset and start to use our resources more responsibly. The increase in gas prices did not happen overnight. With some foresight, we could have been in a much different position than we are now. By purchasing smaller, more fuel efficient cars, pushing for more mass-transit, etc we could have decreased our reliance on oil in a way to help offset this increase in global demand. Instead, we continued buying inefficient cars (there was enough demand for this type of vehicle that GM created an entire Hummer line). Now GM is talking about losing the Hummer line, as sales have dropped. I am glad to see that demand for these vehicles has decreased enough that the manufacturers are starting to see them as unprofitable. I wish, however, that the demand had never been created in the first place. The oil shortage of the 70s should have taught us a lesson, but apparently it did not. If tomorrow gas prices dropped to $1 gallon how long do you think it would take before the demand for these vehicles started to increase again? We need to learn lessons from the past, and not so easily forget them when our situation improves.

Very often I hear mention of us needing to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. In my opinion, that is missing the point entirely. We need to reduce our reliance on oil, period. Part of that will come with investing in alternative energies. We have to stop waiting for the government to step in and solve the problem, though, and take some personal responsibility. I understand that not everyone can afford to sell their car and buy a more fuel efficient car. But how many people have purchased their inefficient car during the past 5 years? In hindsight, was that a mistake? Most likely yes. So now you're stuck with an inefficient car, and soaring gas prices. Rather than wait for the government to fix it, why not makes changes to the amount and way you drive.

I drive a relatively fuel efficient car (35 mpg). I have found that by just slowing down when driving on the Interstate, increasing the air pressure in my tires, and driving less aggressively in the city I can get 40 mpg. Just by making those small changes I have decreased the amount of fuel I use by 15%. I have also made arrangements to work from home a few days a week, which has allowed me to cut my fuel usage to nearly of half of what it was previously. I know that not everyone can make these same changes, but my point is that it is possible for individuals to make changes that impact not only the amount they spend on fuel, but also reduces the overall demand for oil.

I know it is not a popular stance, but I am glad to see high gas prices. Sometimes it takes a slap in the face to motivate real change. I am hoping that we will start seeing that as gas prices continue to rise. I am very curious to see how this period in our history is viewed 20 years from now. My hope is that it is viewed as a short period of hardship, which served as the catalyst for real change that had a significant positive impact on the future of our economy and environment.