Masters control energy agenda

Why doesn’t America have a national energy policy that provides affordable fuel for transportation? Don’t look to President Barack Obama, the secretary of energy, or our congresswoman for answers. “Drill baby drill” isn’t going to send cheap gasoline to the pump because expensive technology is required for production. No corporation is going to flood our market with cheaper gasoline and sell it below the cost of production.

Why are we still driving cars that weigh over 4,000 pounds and have 300-horsepower engines? It’s because both government and corporations benefit from wasting gasoline. The more we waste; the more the government collects in fuel and vehicle taxes, as many license fees are based on weight and the sales tax is based on price. More expensive and larger cars provide more profits and increase fuel sales for businesses.

If cars are redesigned and become more fuel efficient, the taxes and profits from transportation would decrease. No government or corporation wants conservation. They want consumers to spend and waste, and that’s why we don’t have a national energy policy of conservation.

Saving one gallon per day would mean $1,500 per year for each car owner, but lower profits and taxes for our masters.

Pete Scobby

Spokane