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but a vital trace component for the biosphere and is beneficial to mankind. There is no reason for the Government to force on us this major change in life style.

So what should we be doing?

The supply of transport fuels over the next 100 years, in my opinion, will be very predominantly hydrocarbons derived from fossil fuels, as it has been for the last 100 years. By the year 2100 our cars will still run on gasoline, diesel and autogas (propane), which are the only fuels that at present have a nationwide network of distribution points.

There is not much point in developing a hydrogen fueled car, or even a methane (natural gas) fueled car when there is no nationwide system of distribution, and there is no economic reason to do this when these other cheaper fuels are readily available. Electric cars have a niche area of use within large cities and their development is encouraging. Hybrids are in the same category and we watch their technological development with interest.

Where are these transport fuels coming from?

From petroleum refining and processing we get our gasoline, kerosene, diesel and heating oils. From natural gas fields we get our heating gas (industrial and domestic), distillate (LPG) and sometimes a helium byproduct. The huge US reserves of oil, coal and natural gas are only now being looked at again and hopefully developed once the decades of Green shackles preventing this development have been broken.

Slowly, and concurrent with this will be the production of synthetic hydrocarbon fuels when the price is right. The source materials will be coal and natural gas of which there are reserves lasting 100s of years. It has all been done in the past in other countries when it was necessary to do so, either due to war, trade embargoes or oil price shocks.

We don't have to worry about the supply of transport fuels for at least 100 years. Also, the price of gasoline today in real money terms is less than what it was 20 years ago.

We don't have to produce small fuel efficient cars. Who wants them in the US? You can always buy an imported small car for city driving if need be.

We don't have to worry about CO2 emissions because CO2 gas is wholly beneficial to the environment. It is good stuff and the plants and crops love it!

In summary, the world is not coming to an end. Be happy and optimistic! Let's get the State and Federal Governments out of the way of sensible economic development by the private sector and so allow us to enjoy the resources God has given us!

Learn more about this author, Allan Taylor.
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