Fun facts: in 1960, gas was 31 cents a gallon (regular, leaded), but in today's dollars, that would be $1.95. In 1980, it was $1.25 (unleaded, regular), or $2.82 in $2004. 1990, $1.16, or $1.65 today. The latest average is $1.72. --MaxSpeak
That's something to keep in mind while our 'liberal' candidate rushes to assure the rich and powerful that he's not going to rock the boat.
Posted by: The Bellman on Mar 31, 04 | 8:47 am
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COMMENTS
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In a more general sense, power is cheap. Current electricity prices are well below the historical average and near the lows seen in the early 1970's.
In fact, US energy use per dollar of GDP has been cut by 46% since 1970. So, we produce 46% more output (good and services) per dollar spent on energy than 35 years ago.
More fun facts: The US was self sufficient in energy production until the 1950's. In 2002, net imported energy accounted for 26 percent of all energy consumed.
67% of US petroleum consumption is used by the transportation sector (13 million barrels a day in 2002). Electricity generation consumes less than 1 million barrels per day.
US coal production has doubled since 1960, now exceeding 1 billion short tons annually. 92% of domestic coal prodution is now used for generating electricity.
Here's a pretty graph (I hope)
And a pdf full of pretty graphs
Of course, US carbon dioxide emissions have also increased to an all-time high of nearly 6 billion metric tons of gas in 2001. But if you're going to bake a cake, you have to break a few eggs.
Posted by: Joe6pack on Mar 31, 04 | 12:33 pm
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Well at least some of you Americans realize how good you have it. Try $3.50/gal for self-serve unleaded! The well-behaved Japanese just shut up and pay. (Of course they also don't have Senate Democrats screwing up energy policy.) Petrol prices in the UK are even higher, right?
Posted by: Zymurgist on Mar 31, 04 | 11:11 pm
