Posted by AuntieMel on March 23, 2006, at 13:55:45
In reply to Re: Everything's relative, posted by special_k on March 22, 2006, at 18:02:36
Yea, I knew about the cocaine. Too bad it became illegal.
Well, for sure we could do a better job of scrubbing the output of refineries and plastics plants.
And it would be (don't tell my bosses I'm saying this) absolutely *wonderful* if we could find some reasonable alternatives. Or at least do a better job of finding those fossil fuels at home so we don't ever have to feel like we're pressured into making deals with the devil.
Over here they're pushing towards E85 - part ethanol from corn. It does burn cleaner in cars I hear. But - I also hear that it takes more energy to make it than it saves. Add to that the cost of subsidizing the industry......
I'm optimistic we will find better alternatives. It's too expensive not to. If *we* don't come up with the alternatives, someone else will.
I like the diesel they are making out of used restaraunt oil. And I loved the idea of burning garbage - it takes care to two birdies with one stone.
Time to put those inventive American minds to work...
But that's off the original point - the percent rate of return in the oil biz really isn't that high. And it doesn't even take into account capital expenses, which how most of the exploration dollars get counted.
poster:AuntieMel
thread:622564
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060322/msgs/623713.html