Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
There should be no government subsidies to oil companies, gas taxes should go to research into alternative energies. Terry Dyck From: Mike Weaver [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 17:31:14 -0400 What's the point? The US just gave big oil a huge gift in the energy bill to promote more production. I think this discussion just points out that they didn't really need it. It was a gift from us working stiffs to W's buddies in the industry. They need more money? What if we had sent that money to alternative energy research... Bede wrote: in a way fuel tax and sales tax, are the few inescable taxes, There's no way you can dodge them! that said in reality America isn't paying anywhere close to what the rest of the world is per gallon. I'm a little skeptical of the need to tax in order to create new products for some one else to make money of. that said if people such as ford or GM started making the kinds of cars people actually wanted well then they wouldn't be poor financial position they are today. taxing a corporate is like trying to swat mosquitoes in the middle of the night. Why not put a tax on poor fuel economy cars like the H2? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Weaver Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 3:42 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Fight back - don't buy a gas hog. SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Derick Giorchino wrote: Have no fear big brother will figure a way to filter a large % or possibly all of the revenues for some new pay hike or something stupid. Something like social security or road tax on California fuel doesn't go where it is designated. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alt.EnergyNetwork Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 8:20 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington on energy prices
Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
The US taxpayer really doesn't have lobbyists working for them. Terry Dyck wrote: There should be no government subsidies to oil companies, gas taxes should go to research into alternative energies. Terry Dyck From: Mike Weaver [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 17:31:14 -0400 What's the point? The US just gave big oil a huge gift in the energy bill to promote more production. I think this discussion just points out that they didn't really need it. It was a gift from us working stiffs to W's buddies in the industry. They need more money? What if we had sent that money to alternative energy research... Bede wrote: in a way fuel tax and sales tax, are the few inescable taxes, There's no way you can dodge them! that said in reality America isn't paying anywhere close to what the rest of the world is per gallon. I'm a little skeptical of the need to tax in order to create new products for some one else to make money of. that said if people such as ford or GM started making the kinds of cars people actually wanted well then they wouldn't be poor financial position they are today. taxing a corporate is like trying to swat mosquitoes in the middle of the night. Why not put a tax on poor fuel economy cars like the H2? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Weaver Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 3:42 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Fight back - don't buy a gas hog. SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Derick Giorchino wrote: Have no fear big brother will figure a way to filter a large % or possibly all of the revenues for some new pay hike or something stupid. Something like social security or road tax on California fuel doesn't go where it is designated. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alt.EnergyNetwork Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 8:20 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington
Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
What if we had sent that money to alternative energy research... Haven't you been paying attention? That would be an unfair subsidy that undermines the free market ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
Fight back - don't buy a gas hog. SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Derick Giorchino wrote: Have no fear big brother will figure a way to filter a large % or possibly all of the revenues for some new pay hike or something stupid. Something like social security or road tax on California fuel doesn't go where it is designated. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alt.EnergyNetwork Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 8:20 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington on energy prices, fuel-efficient vehicles and the dangers of too much reliance on foreign oil, Solo said. And oil company profits aren't helping consumers feel warm and fuzzy, she said. We all know somebody is getting quite wealthy over the dilemmas and troubles we're facing as a country, she said. We should be able to share in those profits as a society to have greater control of our destiny as a country. Meanwhile, 81% of those surveyed agreed with the statement that the federal government isn't doing enough about high energy prices and U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern energy sources. Broken down across political parties: 74% of Republicans agreed the federal government isn't doing enough, as did 90% of Democrats and 83% of independents. Let's go hybrid When asked whether domestic car makers should follow Toyota's lead by including hybrid technology in all new cars going forward, 80% of consumers agreed, according to the survey. Eighty-six percent of Democrats agreed domestic makers should focus on hybrid technology, as did 73% of Republicans, and 80% of Independents. The visible success of hybrid cars may be leading more consumers to see alternative technologies as one part of a solution to the problem of high gas prices, Solo and her colleagues at the Institute said. Support for hybrid technology was strongest in the West, with 87% of consumers saying car makers should pursue all-hybrid fleets, compared with 82% in the Northeast, 79% in the Midwest, and 77% in the South. Some consumers also support the idea of higher fuel-efficiency standards for regular cars, with 48% of those
Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
in a way fuel tax and sales tax, are the few inescable taxes, There's no way you can dodge them! that said in reality America isn't paying anywhere close to what the rest of the world is per gallon. I'm a little skeptical of the need to tax in order to create new products for some one else to make money of. that said if people such as ford or GM started making the kinds of cars people actually wanted well then they wouldn't be poor financial position they are today. taxing a corporate is like trying to swat mosquitoes in the middle of the night. Why not put a tax on poor fuel economy cars like the H2? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Weaver Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 3:42 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Fight back - don't buy a gas hog. SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Derick Giorchino wrote: Have no fear big brother will figure a way to filter a large % or possibly all of the revenues for some new pay hike or something stupid. Something like social security or road tax on California fuel doesn't go where it is designated. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alt.EnergyNetwork Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 8:20 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington on energy prices, fuel-efficient vehicles and the dangers of too much reliance on foreign oil, Solo said. And oil company profits aren't helping consumers feel warm and fuzzy, she said. We all know somebody is getting quite wealthy over the dilemmas and troubles we're facing as a country, she said. We should be able to share in those profits as a society to have greater control of our destiny as a country. Meanwhile, 81% of those surveyed agreed with the statement that the federal government isn't doing enough about high energy prices and U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern energy sources. Broken down across political parties: 74% of Republicans agreed the federal government isn't doing enough, as did 90% of Democrats and 83% of independents. Let's go hybrid When asked whether domestic car makers
Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
Better yet, buy a gas hog and use your own homemade fuel, rub it in their faces, put huge decals on your oversized truck tailgate that says THIS VEHICLE GETS 20 MPG AND RUNS ENTIRELY ON HOMEMADE FUEL-- EAT THAT EXXON!!! - Original Message - From: Bede [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2005 12:44 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil in a way fuel tax and sales tax, are the few inescable taxes, There's no way you can dodge them! that said in reality America isn't paying anywhere close to what the rest of the world is per gallon. I'm a little skeptical of the need to tax in order to create new products for some one else to make money of. that said if people such as ford or GM started making the kinds of cars people actually wanted well then they wouldn't be poor financial position they are today. taxing a corporate is like trying to swat mosquitoes in the middle of the night. Why not put a tax on poor fuel economy cars like the H2? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Weaver Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 3:42 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Fight back - don't buy a gas hog. SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Derick Giorchino wrote: Have no fear big brother will figure a way to filter a large % or possibly all of the revenues for some new pay hike or something stupid. Something like social security or road tax on California fuel doesn't go where it is designated. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alt.EnergyNetwork Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 8:20 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington on energy prices, fuel-efficient vehicles and the dangers of too much reliance on foreign oil, Solo said. And oil company profits aren't helping consumers feel warm and fuzzy, she said. We all know somebody is getting quite wealthy over the dilemmas and troubles we're facing as a country, she
Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
What's the point? The US just gave big oil a huge gift in the energy bill to promote more production. I think this discussion just points out that they didn't really need it. It was a gift from us working stiffs to W's buddies in the industry. They need more money? What if we had sent that money to alternative energy research... Bede wrote: in a way fuel tax and sales tax, are the few inescable taxes, There's no way you can dodge them! that said in reality America isn't paying anywhere close to what the rest of the world is per gallon. I'm a little skeptical of the need to tax in order to create new products for some one else to make money of. that said if people such as ford or GM started making the kinds of cars people actually wanted well then they wouldn't be poor financial position they are today. taxing a corporate is like trying to swat mosquitoes in the middle of the night. Why not put a tax on poor fuel economy cars like the H2? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Weaver Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 3:42 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Fight back - don't buy a gas hog. SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Derick Giorchino wrote: Have no fear big brother will figure a way to filter a large % or possibly all of the revenues for some new pay hike or something stupid. Something like social security or road tax on California fuel doesn't go where it is designated. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alt.EnergyNetwork Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 8:20 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington on energy prices, fuel-efficient vehicles and the dangers of too much reliance on foreign oil, Solo said. And oil company profits aren't helping consumers feel warm and fuzzy, she said. We all know somebody is getting quite wealthy over the dilemmas and troubles we're facing as a country, she said. We should be able to share in those profits as a society to have greater control of our destiny as a country. Meanwhile, 81% of those surveyed agreed with the statement
[Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington on energy prices, fuel-efficient vehicles and the dangers of too much reliance on foreign oil, Solo said. And oil company profits aren't helping consumers feel warm and fuzzy, she said. We all know somebody is getting quite wealthy over the dilemmas and troubles we're facing as a country, she said. We should be able to share in those profits as a society to have greater control of our destiny as a country. Meanwhile, 81% of those surveyed agreed with the statement that the federal government isn't doing enough about high energy prices and U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern energy sources. Broken down across political parties: 74% of Republicans agreed the federal government isn't doing enough, as did 90% of Democrats and 83% of independents. Let's go hybrid When asked whether domestic car makers should follow Toyota's lead by including hybrid technology in all new cars going forward, 80% of consumers agreed, according to the survey. Eighty-six percent of Democrats agreed domestic makers should focus on hybrid technology, as did 73% of Republicans, and 80% of Independents. The visible success of hybrid cars may be leading more consumers to see alternative technologies as one part of a solution to the problem of high gas prices, Solo and her colleagues at the Institute said. Support for hybrid technology was strongest in the West, with 87% of consumers saying car makers should pursue all-hybrid fleets, compared with 82% in the Northeast, 79% in the Midwest, and 77% in the South. Some consumers also support the idea of higher fuel-efficiency standards for regular cars, with 48% of those surveyed saying recent gas price hikes make it much more important that the federal government take steps to require higher fuel-efficiency standards. Twenty-four percent said gas costs make it somewhat more important that the government address fuel-efficiency standards, but 19% said higher gas prices should have no effect on the government's approach to fuel efficiency standards, according to the survey. Andrea Coombes is a reporter for MarketWatch in San Francisco. next_generation_grid http://groups.yahoo.com/group/next_generation_grid news resources forums tomorrow-energy http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tomorrow-energy Alternative Energy Politics http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alternative_Energy_Politics/ Get your daily
Re: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil
Have no fear big brother will figure a way to filter a large % or possibly all of the revenues for some new pay hike or something stupid. Something like social security or road tax on California fuel doesn't go where it is designated. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Alt.EnergyNetwork Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 8:20 AM To: Biofuel@sustainablelists.org Subject: [Biofuel] windfall tax on big oil Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll - U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax http://tinyurl.com/8m6pp Consumers feel gouged on gas: poll U.S. drivers cry foul and support oil-company tax SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A majority of Americans are convinced they're being gouged at the gas pump, and many support a tax on oil companies' profits to fund research into alternative energy sources, according to a new survey. Eighty-seven percent of U.S. consumers said oil companies are gouging them on gas prices, according to the telephone survey of 1,019 adults in mid-September by Opinion Research Corp. for the Civil Society Institute, a Newton Centre, Mass.-based non-profit advocacy group. The Institute, funded by donations and foundation grants, supports a variety of initiatives, including 40mpg.org, which aims to make 40 miles per gallon the standard for all U.S. cars. Another 7% said very little price gouging is going on, 4% said it's not happening at all, and 3% weren't sure. The survey has a margin of error of plus, or minus, 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The belief in price gouging was consistent across party lines, with 82% of Republicans pointing to some or a great deal of price gouging, 91% of Democrats doing so, and 87% of independents. Many consumers appear ready to gouge right back: 79% of those surveyed said they support a tax on oil company's profits if the money collected goes to research on alternative energy sources. That sentiment crossed political lines to a large extent, with 83% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 81% of independents supporting such a tax to fuel research on alternative energy sources. But there was less overall support for such a tax to fund other initiatives: Just 53% of the respondents support a tax on oil company profits to fund a direct rebate to U.S. drivers, while 70% support the tax to fund wetlands restoration in the Gulf Coast to lessen damage from future hurricanes. (The survey offered only those three possible purposes for the hypothetical tax revenues.) Confluence of factors Consumers' cry of price gouging, and apparent willingness to embrace alternative energy sources appears sparked by a confluence of factors, said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute, in a telephone press conference. There are several strains of concern converging for people, she said, including steeply higher gas prices, the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil, and global warming. Americans have seen ... too little action from Washington on energy prices, fuel-efficient vehicles and the dangers of too much reliance on foreign oil, Solo said. And oil company profits aren't helping consumers feel warm and fuzzy, she said. We all know somebody is getting quite wealthy over the dilemmas and troubles we're facing as a country, she said. We should be able to share in those profits as a society to have greater control of our destiny as a country. Meanwhile, 81% of those surveyed agreed with the statement that the federal government isn't doing enough about high energy prices and U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern energy sources. Broken down across political parties: 74% of Republicans agreed the federal government isn't doing enough, as did 90% of Democrats and 83% of independents. Let's go hybrid When asked whether domestic car makers should follow Toyota's lead by including hybrid technology in all new cars going forward, 80% of consumers agreed, according to the survey. Eighty-six percent of Democrats agreed domestic makers should focus on hybrid technology, as did 73% of Republicans, and 80% of Independents. The visible success of hybrid cars may be leading more consumers to see alternative technologies as one part of a solution to the problem of high gas prices, Solo and her colleagues at the Institute said. Support for hybrid technology was strongest in the West, with 87% of consumers saying car makers should pursue all-hybrid fleets, compared with 82% in the Northeast, 79% in the Midwest, and 77% in the South. Some consumers also support the idea of higher fuel-efficiency standards for regular cars, with 48% of those surveyed saying recent gas price hikes make it much more important that the federal government take steps to require higher fuel-efficiency standards. Twenty-four percent said gas costs make it somewhat more important that the government address fuel-efficiency standards, but 19% said higher
