Actually, I think long term it is better if energy prices were higher. But, rather than this additional money going to other oil-exporting countries, it would be better in my opinion if prices were raised via taxes, as is the case in many European countries. Yes, if this was done suddenly it might damage the USA economy. But, if it was done at times when energy prices dipped, especially a decade or a bit more ago when oil was $10/barrel and New Jersey gas was $0.99/gallon, it might have been O.K. Reasons why I think this include: Federal budget, making alternate energy sources economic (I think wind is economic now in states that have lots of wind and land: Wyoming has a LOT of large wind generators), and encouraging conservation for economic reasons. Part of my work is related to past climates: that is what I am working on now (in Ross Sea Antarctica). History will view climate change deniers, most of whom are American, along with flat earthers etc. So, less fossil fuel use will be really important to our grandchildren (or in the unlikely event any of you are young, to you).

EQF mentions failure of first two years of Obama administration to get things done (I won't bother here to dispute this). A real failure was Al Gore being vice president for 8 years and not working towards getting the CAFE standards increased (the average gas mileage of a companies fllet of cars). The Obama administration has greatly increased these standards.

Chris