Author name: Michael Giberson

Michael Giberson The Washington Post reports growing consumer interest in automobile fuel economy as gasoline prices increase. Not exactly an earth-shattering development, is it, when consumers respond to price changes? Almost as reliable as consumer responses to price changes is the “I told you so” chorus from alternative-energy advocates. [S]upporters of hybrids, electric vehicles, hydrogen …

Is There a Silver Lining in This Non-Sequitir? Read More »

Michael Giberson For months we have been treated to media reports telling us gasoline consumption was undeterred by higher prices. Apparently, not any more. Prices have become high enough to reduce consumption, and because a reduction in gasoline consumption leads to a reduction in gasoline tax collections. State government officials are taking notice, according to …

Tax Collectors Feel Pain at the Pump Read More »

Michael Giberson As the price of a product goes up, so does the propensity of politicians to want to do something. Gasoline prices are up, and here come the politicians. The Senate Energy Committee has announced it will be holding hearings in September. And now comes the Bush administration with a proposal to revise and …

Cafe = Completely Absurd Fuel Economy Standards Read More »

Michael Giberson I was also among the energy market conventioneers, enjoying the day and a half of discussions among proponents of competition in energy markets. While the convention was filled with folks who support development of energy markets, there was a substantial diversity of views and a lot of healthy discussion. In the next several …

Flowers And Fences Read More »