GAS!

I commute over 600 miles a week. Unfortunately, my employer does not allow telecommuting (unless you live in CO). When I bought my home, I didn't anticipate gas prices rising this fast. Now, I actually have to budget for gas. Mass transit is not an option due to my child's school schedule and lack of routes. Where I have gassed up lately:

• Arroyo Grande = $4.59
  
• Lompoc = $4.59
  
• Santa Barbara = $4.62
  

I've now gone over the $100 a week mark and I hear that gas will be $6-$7 a gallon by year end. I am frustrated with the rapid increase in gas prices. I am even more frustrated that our government doesn't appear to have a sense of urgency to alleviate this situation.

This article states

Starting in 2011, U.S. automakers will be required to raise the average fuel economy of new cars and light trucks from 25 mpg to at least 35 mpg by 2020 - a 40 percent increase. Reaching 35 mpg by 2020 will save 1.1 million barrels of oil per day, save consumers billions of dollars at the pump and significantly reduce global warming pollution.

That's still years away. Will I be paying $10-$15 a gallon by then? And my car already gets 31 mpg!

We're also still years away from mass production of hydrogen cars because of cost and limited access to refueling stations (You could be the few to test drive a Honda FCX Clairty if you live in Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine and can dish out $600 a month)

I've even investigated natural gas vehicle. Some government vehicles and school busses are already powered by natural gas. The Honda's Civic GX ($25K) is sold in CA and NY and are "greener" than gasoline-electric hybrids.

Downside, it's really hard to find fueling stations and they don't have as much driving range as gasoline powered cars. In addition, their fuel tanks take up more space in the trunk. I have found fueling stations in San Luis and Santa Barbara and Honda does sell a refueling pump ($3000) for homes.

Natural gas has always been cheaper than gasoline (although natural gas is up nearly 50%). There are federal tax credits up to $4000-$7000. There is also a $1000 tax credit for the pump. Sounds like a great alternative but Honda has no current plans of expanding sales beyond NY and California.

My little 2005 Nissan will be paid off next month. Yeah!! I could trade it in and buy a Prius or the Honda's Civic GX, but with a new mortgage, property taxes, bills and college loans, I really can't afford another car note.

I am all for drilling and/or finding renewable, affordable, steady alternatives.