Northern Idaho News

Idaho Gas Prices Rising, Rising

Who Knew Alaska’s North Slope Was So Steep?

By Joan Opyr, 8-17-06

I admit it. I have long been one of those people who said it would serve us Americans right if we had to pay the full social and economic cost of our fossil fuel addiction. Gas prices in Europe have been eye-popping (to American visitors, anyway) for years. I have bemoaned our gas-guzzling ways, our Congressional and Presidential inaction, and our unwillingness to embrace the gas-electric hybrid, public transportation, or higher fuel economy requirements.

I still feel that we can and should curb our fuel usage. But like this? By force? All at once? The closure of Alaska's North Slope pipeline, combined with the Iraq War, Israel's battle with Hezbollah, troubles in Nigeria, and Iran's ongoing threat to use oil as a weapon have led to prices at the pump that many Americans cannot pay. This morning when I drove to work, gas was $3.09 per gallon. When I drove home this afternoon, it was $3.14. It was $2.99 last week. I spent $35 filling the ten gallon tank on my 1995 Mercury Tracer which, though it just ticked over 126,000 miles, I keep running and will hang onto like grim death because it gets 37 miles to the gallon. I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle which is safer, more comfortable, and doesn't do too badly at 25 to the gallon, but I can't afford to drive it. The tank holds $50 worth of gas. That's too much. My poor heart, not to mention my PhillipsConoco card, can't handle the strain.

How long before we begin to feel the aftershocks of rising gas prices? Fresh produce is trucked around the country. Can I afford five bucks for a bag of lettuce? And what about goods and services? I live eight miles outside of town. The plumber came out to do a bit of work today. How long before he's obliged to charge me mileage?

Will I be able to keep the propane tank filled this winter? I'm a frugal sort. The thermostat is set at 68 when we're at home and up and about. When we're away or asleep, it's 62. I have a level-pay plan that sets the price at $180 per month, year round. That will not last. What will the new level pay be? $200? $225? More?

A man pulled up next to me at the gas pump this morning. He was driving an early eighties model Cutlass Supreme. The car was badly rusted, and the driver's side door was riveted shut with a six inch steel bar. He had to climb out the passenger's side to fill his tank. I'm a comparatively affluent woman. I'm no Bill Gates, but I am fortunate. The doors on my Tracer all work, and I can afford to insure multiple cars. What effect will high gas prices have on Idaho's poor? People drive from Deary and Bovill and Helmer to work in this town, and their vehicles are often four-wheel drive. They need them to cope with the North Idaho roads in winter.

Yes, I'm worried about the environment, geo-politics, and America's disproportionate use of the world's natural resources. I'm also worried about that man with his door riveted shut. It's not the guys with the Hummers who will suffer for our collective national shortsightedness. It's that guy with the old rusty Oldsmobile.

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