Letters to the Editor
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We need higher gas prices? I think not...
Advocating higher gas prices "to save the planet" misses on several points.
First, higher gas prices adversely impact lower-income people to a greater degree. These people have fewer options available because of their economic status, and can't afford to simply run out and buy a Prius to feel better about themselves.
Second, while we may harbor the illusion that higher prices by themselves will do great things, what we really need is not higher prices, we need a replacement for transportation technologies that rely on gasoline. (See the above reason for one example of why...)
And, we also need to do a lot more than reduce gasoline consumption. Ending a combustion-based energy infrastructure overall would be a good start.
Finally, our greatest need - leadership with the vision to develop real solutions based on the above reasons.
And once and for all, the planet will be just fine with or without us. The biosphere, maybe not so much. Terms do have meaning...